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THE 



WESLEYAN STUDENT : 



MEMOIRS 



OF 



AARON HAYNES HURD, 



Late a Member of the Wesleyan University, 
Middle to wu, Conn. 



BY JOSEPH HOLDICJtfmvMT 



M They that have seen thy look in death, 
No more may tear to die." 




JWIDDLETOWN I 

E. H U N T & Co. 

BOSTON: D. S. KING. 

1839. 






Entered according to Act of Congress in the 
Clerk's Office of the District Court, within and 
for the District of Connecticut, in the year 1839, 
by E. Hunt & Co. 



lis*** 




CONTENTS. 



Pag©, 

Preface 5 

CHAPTER I. 

From his birth to his going among the Indians. 9 

# 

CHAPTER II. 

Engages as a Missionary teacher — becomes a subject of 
vital piety — remarks on his Conversion, . . 16 

CHAPTER III. 
Diary— Mode of Life— Trials. . . . 31 

CHAPTER IV. 

Letters— diary — Indian Character. . . 40 

CHAPTER V. 

Returns home — Pious Resolutions — determines to pur- 
sue an education — Remarks — Licensed to preach. 59 

CHHPTER VI. 
Remarks— enters St. Lawrence Academy — Journey 
to Potsdam — Letters — Energy of Character— returns 
home — Letters. 76 

CHAPTER VII. 

Goes to Cazenovia — incidents by the way — enters the 
Seminary— Oration— mental depression. . . 96 



IV. CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER VIII. 
Letters— to his Father— Brother— and Mr. Cald- 
well. . • 106 

CHAPTER IX. 
Letters-— to Mr. Allen— and Rev. Chas. Bragden, 122 

CHAPTER X. 
Goes to Middletown — the journey— the situation de- 
scribed — Letters — examination — Commencement. 137 

CHAPTER XI. 
Standing in College — mental character — modes of im- 
provement — religious duties — Letter to Mr. Allen. 153 

CHAPTER XII. 

Takes a School in Wethcrsfield— Battle of Fort Mystic 
— Junior Exhibition— Mr. Hurd's Oration— Pleasure, 174 

CHAPTER XIII. 
Tempting offers— Theological Class— Missionary Ly- 
ceum-Essays ) 192 

CHAPTER XIV. 

Visit to Amherst— Journal by the way— Commence- 
mect of 1836. . . , . . 235 

CHAPTER XV. 

Premonitions of death— excessive labors— his piety 256 

CHAPTER XVI. 

Last Sickness and death— Sketch of character his 

Monument. 266 



PREFACE. 



Seldom has the death of a young riian produced 
so strong a sensation as did that of Mr. Hurd, 
throughout the circle of his friends Nor was that 
circle very circumscribed. Few, at his age and in 
his circumstances, have formed so extensive an ac- 
quaintance or given such promise of subsequent 
usefulness in the world. 

It was thought by many to be a debt due alike 
to the deceased and to survivors, to attempt to rescue 
his memory from oblivion, and exhibit his example 
for the benefit of others. This task without any of 
his own seeking, has devolved on the present writer. 
It has been executed under the heavy pressure 
of his daily professional duties : and being now 
brought to a close, it is submitted, such as it is, ta 
the public. 

The author has had several objects in view in 
preparing this Memoir. He has endeavored to 
illustrate the means by which the subject of it rose 
from a state of obscurity and privation, into exten- 
sive usefulness and comparative notoriety in the 
church : to exhibit in their proper light that quenclv 
I 



VI. PREFACE. 

less thirst for knowledge and restless energy of 
character, which led him to grapple with, and sur- 
mount obstacles in the pursuit of an education, 
which most would have deemed insuperable: to 
mark the gradual unfolding of his mental and 
moral character, as it started from the smallest be- 
ginnings and rose to a high standard of beauty and 
excellence: to illustrate his crowning grace, his 
ardent and uniform piety, and his constant devotion 
to the great end of human existence, viz : to glorify 
God on earth, and secure a meetness to dwell with 
him in heaven: — and lastly to show that the main- 
tenance of a highly devotional temper is perfectly 
compatible with an ardent pursuit of literary excel- 
lence ; and thus to endeavor to re-unite what have 
been, greatly to the world's injury, too much sepa- 
rated, piety and learning. 

To various classes of persons the example of Mr. 
Hurd may prove instructive. It may encourage 
the youth who possesses native talents and energy of 
character, but is denied the advantages of fortune, 
instead of indolently or hopelessly succumbing to 
the pressure of circumstances, to make those cir- 
cumstances yield to a resistless will, and boldly step 
forward into whatever openings Providence may 
present. It may serve to admonish the mind, too 
ardently engaged in literary pursuits, against that 
fatal error which has added a Hurd to a Kirke 



PREFACE. Vll. 

White and a Pollock, all victims to an excessive, 
unremitted mental action. Would that we could 
in any degree, help to correct that fatal delusion 
which has blighted so many hopeful buds of genius, 
piety, and usefulness, and steeped so many hearts in 
sorrow ! 

We also indulge the hope that his example of 
youthful piety, may induce some, at least, to follow 
his footsteps in the cause of that Savior, who alone 
can consummate the virtuous exertions of this life, 
with the unfading glories of immortality. 

One other important principle, we trust, will be 
imbibed in the perusal of this biography. It is 
this. He that in the most strenuous, and best di- 
rected exertion of all his faculties, seeks exclusively 
for goodness, shall, at the same time, secure as 
much of greatness as his nature is susceptible of; 
while he will escape those mortifications and fret- 
ting anxieties which are the inevitable results of 
making greatness the direct object of pursuit. 



MEMOIR. 



CHAPTER I. 

From his birth, to his engaging as a teacher 
among the Indians. 

One of the most profitable employments of a 
moral being is a contemplation of elevated virtue 
as exhibited in individuals of his own species. 
Such is the power of sympathy in the human 
breast, that one can scarcely meditate with any in- 
tensity upon a character without becoming more or 
less like it. In perusing the lives of persons dis- 
tinguished by any remarkable qualities, whether 
good or bad, their influence seems to impregnate 
our own breasts ; we imbibe their spirit ; we seem 
to lose a part of what we were, and assume a por- 
tion of the character that has excited within us the 
sympathetic emotion. How wise, then, and how 
kind is that ordination of Providence by which 
"the righteous are held in everlasting remem- 
brance!" Such examples are an unfailing source 
of holy and elevating influences. 



10 MEMOIR OF 

It is our lot to record the life of one who, on va- 
rious accounts, may be held up as a pattern to 
many. He owes his distinction to no adventitious 
aids. Having in every step of his way to contend 
with strong counteracting influences, he was em- 
phatically " the architect of his own fortune." 
Born in obscurity, with little external stimulus to 
mental improvement, an invalid from his cradle to 
the grave, and always cramped and fettered by po- 
verty, he still broke through all, and if he did not 
carve his name in letters of light high up in the 
temple of fame, yet has he left a painful void in 
many hearts ; and bequeathed as an inalienable le- 
gacy to the Church, an example radiant with " the 
beauty of holiness." 

Aaron Haynes Hurd was the second son of 
Abner and Margaret Ann Hurd. His parents be- 
longed to that respectable and important class, the 
cultivators of the soil. The mother was a worthy 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, which 
the father also became a few years subsequently. 
Aaron was born at Sandgate, Bennington County, 
Vermont, on the 7th of April, A. D. 1813. Pos- 
sessing a remarkably slender constitution, he was, 
even from his birth a child of affliction, and requi- 
red the unremitting care of a tender and affection- 
ate mother. The seat of his disorder appears to 
have been the stomach. His digestion was always 



A. H. HURD. 11 

feeble ; and hence arose various dyspeptic, bilious, 
and dysenteric attacks, which, not unfrequently 
prostrated his strength, and finally consigned him 
to an early grave. But in addition to these com- 
plaints he was severely afflicted with an inflamma- 
tion in one of his eyes, which for two years baffled 
every attempt to effect a cure, and was then not 
healed without a destruction of its sight. This de- 
fect, however, was not perceptible except on the 
closest inspection. His eyes appeared unsually 
interesting. They were soft, gentle, pensive ; and 
a slight droop in the lid, while the features were in 
repose, gave to his countenance a peculiarly mod- 
est and withal a somewhat melancholy cast. 

The afflictions of his early life served to call 
forth in a singular degree the passive virtues of his 
character. He was, even then, remarkable for his 
patience and resignation, and for uncommon sweet- 
ness of disposition. These traits rendered him pe- 
culiarly dear to the family circle, while his feeble 
health and frequent suffering made him an object 
of deep solicitude. He seems to have been regard- 
ed as the tenderest of the flock and was dearest to 
them all. This is one of those peculiar provisions 
of our Common Parent, by which the fragile things 
of earth are made to entwine themselves around 
the strong, whence they derive that comfort and 
jsupport without which they perish. 



12 



MEMOIR OF 



The delicacy of Aaron's health had a complex 
influence on his mental character. If on the one 
hand it interfered with his going to school; on the 
other it disabled him in some measure, for enduring 
the labors of the farm, or the rude sports of his 
companions. If by the one he was retarded in 
pursuing the elements of education and memoriz- 
ing words and rules ; by the other he was aided in 
securing thoughts and laying up a store of wisdom 
beyond his years. For reading and reflection were 
his only refuge from the pains which racked his 
frame. 

From the age of six years until nine, his father 
informs us, he was able to go to school most of the 
time. But during the intervals when ill health 
confined him alike from the school and the farm, 
he was diligently employed in mental improve- 
ment. The following is from one who knew him 
well, and had it from his own lips. " When he 
was about nine years old he had read all the books 
he could get, and had committed much of the Bible 
to memory, no small portion of which was accom- 
plished at night sitting on the hearth by the light 
of the fire ! One day he was rummaging *a clo- 
set where old books and papers were kept, in hope 
to find something he had not seen ; when fortunate- 
ly he drev\ out an old grammar. He rejoiced on 
opening it to see what a treasure he had found, and 



A. H. HURD. 13 

immediately set himself to studying it. While bu- 
sied with this, his father thought him old enough to 
begin to assist in the labors of the field, and took 
him out to drive the oxen for ploughing. He took 
his grammar along with him and learned much 
of it by the side of the furrow." 

One can hardly help thinking of the words of 
Edmund Stone the self-taught mathematician — 
M Does any one need to know more than the twen- 
ty-four letters of the alphabet in order to learn eve- 
ry thing else that one wishes . ? " Such instances 
serve to show how irrepressible is the desire of 
knowledge, when once it takes firm possession of 
the soul, and how completely energy and perseve- 
rance can triumph over all obstacles in pursuit of 
its favorite objects. 

The mind of young Hurd was early impressed 
with the importance of religion. Great care had 
been bestowed on this feature of his character, by 
her, on whom these duties most naturally devolve ; 
and happy w r as it for him that his mother was so 
well qualified to execute this trust. She was a per- 
son of a truly maternal heart, vigorous mind and 
devoted piety ; facts to which her son often bore 
affectionate testimony in after life. From his own 
account it would appear that she commenced her 
religious instructions as soon as he was able to 
think, and that she interweaved the subject of reli- 



14 MEMOIR OF 



gion with every unfolding idea. The natural con- 
sequence was that a conviction of the great truths 
of Christianity was firmly impressed upon his mind ; 
and by the blessing of God, they produced a pow- 
erful influence on his heart. Thus though we 
may not say of him as it was said of Jeremiah that 
" he was sanctified from the womb ;" yet we may 
assert that like the youthful Timothy, " from a 
child he knew the Holy scriptures, which are able 
to make us wise unto salvation;" and under their 
teaching he grew up " in the nurture and discipline 
of the Lord." And thus we have an additional 
evidence of the powerful influence of judicious and 
well directed maternal education. Who does not 
know that some of the most distinguished men the 
world has produced, men whose names shall stand 
on the lasting records of the human family, owed 
the shaping of their characters to the plastic hand 
of superior maternal training?- We scarcely need 
mention a Timothy, an Augustine, a Wesley, a 
Newton, and a Richmond. In the walks of sci- 
ence the instances are not less numerous than in 
the church. It was the mother's mind that first 
gave impulse to the minds of a Bacon, a Good and 
a Cuvier, and called out their wonderful capacity. 
It has sometimes been said that talent is more apt 
to descend on the maternal side than on the pater- 
nal. But the truth is, it is the mother who hab 



: 



A. H. HURD. 15 

charge of the infant mind, implants the first seeds of 
thought, gives the first direction to its efforts, and 
first calls forth its powers. Is not this a most pow- 
erful argument for female education and improve- 
ment ? The man will be, much as the mother 
makes him. 

His own account of his state is thus given as 
nearly in his own words as could be remembered 
by his friend already quoted. " He had no recol- 
lection of the time when his mind was first led to 
the subject of religion. But a veneration for the 
character of Christ, an awe of God, a love for chris- 
tians, an inexpressible happiness in devotion, and a 
strong desire to promote the salvation of his fellow 
men, had been predominant sentiments in his mind 
since he had been able to think and reason." Nor 
are w T e to consider this as mere sentimentalism. 
His impressions produced strong convictions of 
duty, which at no distant day led him to give a 
singular proof of his devotion to sacred principles. 

In the year 1822 Mr. Hurd removed with his 
family from Vermont to Upper Canada. They 
spent two years at Fredericsburg, and during one 
year only of this time, Aaron was able to attend 
school. In the spring of 1824, i. e. when the sub- 
ject of our memoir was eleven years of age, the 
family removed into the township of Reach, and 
settled upon new lands, where of course, they had 



16 MEMOIR OF 

little access to the advantages of schools or society, 
and where every preparation incident to new set- 
tlements, was to be made for their domestic comfort. 
In this situation, young Aaron, shut out from the 
means of improvement spent his time chiefly in 
agricultural occupations, as far, at least as his fee- 
ble constitution would permit. 



CHAPTER II. 

Engages as a Missionary Teacher — becomes a 
subject of vital piety — Remarks on his conver* 
sion. 

Those who possess the native elements of great- 
ness and of extensive usefulness, often exhibit in 
early life indications of their destiny. Even in the 
most untoward circumstances, occasions of useful- 
ness and activity occur to them which would pass 
unheeded by common minds. There was an in- 
herent activity of mind in young Hurd, that 
would not suffer him to be idle ; and a kindness of 
heart that prompted him to cnterprizes of benevo- 
lence. Even in his present secluded state and un- 
unfavorable situation, these began singularly to 
manifest themselves. 



A. H. HURD. 1? 

Mr. Hurd's residence was in the territory occu- 
pied by various tribes of Indians, chiefly of the 
great Chippeway nation. A tribe of these formed 
an encampment in his immediate neighborhood, 
and it was not long before Aaron began to cultivate 
their acquaintance, and by the interest he manifest- 
ed in their welfare, and his curiosity to learn their 
habits and opinions, by his affability and kindness, 
he cultivated their warmest esteem. About this 
time, or somewhat prior, the Christian benevolence 
of the Methodist Church was directed to these 
unhappy children of the desert, and several mis- 
sions were already in successful operation. It 
was in the autumn of the year 1 827 that the tribe 
in the vicinity of Mr. Hurd's residence embraced 
the christian religion, and immediately gave the 
most satisfactory proof of its holy tendency and 
benign influence. From a condition unspeakably 
degraded, debauched, and vitiated, in almost every 
sense of the word, they became a serious, moral 
and pious community. From being pests of the 
country and the bye-word and scoff, as well as ter- 
ror of the inhabitants, they became as remarkable 
for their orderly deportment, and unvarying hon- 
esty ; and instead of shocking the ears by the most 
disgusting profanity, they created surprise and 
delight by the fervency of their devotion, and their 
delight in heavenly things. It is not our intention, 
2 



18 MEMOIR OF 

however, to enlarge on this topic, as the reader will 
find an exhibition of it from the hand of our depart- 
ed friend, written with the ardor of one who was 
deeply interested in the undertaking and with the 
vividness of an eye witness. 

If this were a proper place for it, we might de- 
duce from these remarks, a strong plea in favor of 
the christian religion. A change so great, so gen- 
eral, so obvious, and so rapid, we may venture to 
say, never was effected by mere human agency. 
We see not only the religious creed of a nation, 
but their entire moral character visibly altered. 
The most ensnaring vices, such as lewdness and 
intemperance, are abandoned and their opposite 
virtues practised. Nor was this confined to indi- 
viduals, but often pervaded an entire tribe ; and in 
some cases so rapid was the work that we might 
almost use the strong language of holy writ, " a 
nation was born in a day!" The Mississaugah 
were among the-most degraded and filthy of all the 
tribes. Men and women were addicted to drunk- 
enness almost without an exception. Yet it is of a 
branch of this people, that the Rev. Mr. Case, Super- 
intendant of the Missions, writes, " ten months ago 
they w 7 ere the same unhappy drunkards. They 
are now, without an exception in the whole tribe, 
a reformed and religious community. They num- 
ber one hundred and thirty souls, and the society 



A. H. HURD. 19 

embraces every adult, consisting of about ninety- 
persons."* "In another instance, among a body of 
three hundred Indians, notorious for intemperance, 
with but three exceptions, all had embraced Chris- 
tianity, and appeared to be thoroughly reclaimed 
from Paganism, as well as from all sorts of intem- 
perance.!" 

The effects resulting from such a change were 
truly deligh'ful. Every thing about them put on 
an entirely new aspect. In the abandonment of 
their vices, and in opening their hearts to the influ- 
ences of virtue and religion, a foundation was at once 
laid on which to rear the superstructure of their 
happiness for both worlds. All those important 
principles which are essential to an elevated social 
and moral state, were now adopted among them 
and carried into practice. The institution and laws 
of marriage were now scrupulously regarded ; the 
rights of property were respected ; the education of 
children was attended to ; habits of industry, econ- 
omy, and cleanliness were cultivated. In a word, 
they commenced a determined march towards 
civilization, with all the elements vigorously at 
work among them. How overwhelming must be the 
power of that glorious system of truth, which in so 

♦Bang's History of Missions, p. 195, 

t ibid. p. 202. . . 



20 MEMOIR OF 

short a time produced such wondrous effects on 
such a people ! 

It was, as before observed, in the autumn of the 
year 1827, that this work commenced among the 
tribe in Mr. Hurd's vicinity. Aaron was then in 
his fifteenth year. Young as he was, his feelings 
became deeply interested ; and when he saw their 
intense thirst for knowledge, and fervent desire to 
read the word of God, he could not resist the strong 
impulses of his own mind to aid their worthy efforts. 
And thus, though he had not made any public pro- 
fession of personal piety, he devoted himself to this 
work of benevolence, we believe, under the direc- 
tion of the Baptists, and spent in it most of the time 
he could spare during the winter of this year. 
Though himself a very imperfect scholar, yet so 
much did he acquit himself to the satisfaction of 
these wild sons of the forest, that a foundation was 
laid for their entire confidence and warmest esteem. 
Having thus commenced successfully his labors 
among the Indians, he was not likely to be long 
unemployed. In the following year, (1828,) the 
mission among the Schoogog and Mud Lake Indi- 
ans, was established by the Methodists ; and he was 
employed by the Superintendant of the mission, as 
missionary teacher. His school consisted of from 
thirty to fifty scholars of from four to thirty years 
of age. A heavy undertaking indeed for a lad of 



A. H. HURD. 21 

fifteen, and with such limited acquirements! If his 
attempt exhibited an enterprising disposition, his 
success proved the energy of his character, and the 
natural superiority of his understanding. 

The residence and labors of young Hurd among 
the Indians, seem to have been peculiarly beneficial 
to himself. We have already seen that when he 
engaged in this work, he had made no profession of 
religion; nor does it appear though he had a 
strong sense of religion in general, that his views 
of the evangelical economy were very clear. He 
had not, however, been very long in his present 
situation before his own heart was more fully im- 
bued with the spirit of the gospel. His situation 
was evidently favorable to this object. The cir- 
cumstances into which ho was thrown, the impres- 
sive scenes passing before his eyes, a sense of the 
beneficial influence of Christianity on the degraded 
children of nature, with their powerful example be- 
fore his eyes, and their prayers and conversation in 
his presence, were calculated more deeply to affect 
his mind, and more fully to open his heart to sacred 
influences. The voice of his affectionate mother 
was echoed to his ear from the Indian's hunting 
grounds ; and the emotions of his childhood were 
renewed with ten fold power by so palpable an 
illustration of the efficacy of those principles which 
he had imbibed from her lips. 
*2 



22 MEMOIR OF 

Hence in the first summer of his residence among 
the Indians, as his father informs us, he became a 
subject of regenerating grace, and from this time 
forward ever maintained the character of an humble 
consistent christian. The first time he felt an assu- 
rance in his own heart of his pardon and acceptance 
with God, was while engaged alone in prayer in 
the deep dark wood. It seems that in a retired part 
of the forest, he had constructed for himself a little 
bower to serve as an oratory. Here he retired for 

secret devotion ; and surrounded by, 

M A boundless contiguity of shade, " 

he raised his heart and voice to that glorious Being 
who heareth prayer, and who 



" is ever present, 

In the wide waste as in the city fall." 

And while mourning over his fallen nature, trem- 
bling under an apprehension of the purity of the 
divine law and character, and humbly seeking par- 
don and acceptance through the blood of the sin 
atoning victim, he was enabled to repose implicit 
trust in the merits of the Savior, and feel that joy 
and peace which invariably flow from a heait-felt 
and evangelical faith. Freed from the dominon of 
sin, and the condemnation of the law, he then felt 
what the elegant and evangelical author of the 
Task poetically describes. 



A. H. HURD. 23 

" Then we are free. Then liberty, like day. 
Breaks on the soul, and by a flash from Heaven, 
Fires all tho faculties with glorious joy." 

Or, in the not less graphic language of the poet of 
Methodism ; 

" Long my imprisoned spirit lay, 

Fast bound in sin and natures night ; 

Thine eye diffused a quickening ray ; 
I woke ; my dungeon flamed with light ! 

My chains fell off, my heart was free, 
I rose, went forth, and followed Thee." 

Then in the words of the evangelical prophet, 
he could say ; " I will praise thee ; for though 
thou wast angry with me, thine anger is passed 
away, and thou comfortest me." 

This account will be variously regarded by dif- 
ferent classes of persons. To one class it may 
seem that a young man of so excellent a character 
and of such strong religious impressions would 
need no conversion ; or in other words that he was 
a christian already. To these we cannot in this 
place make any labored answer. We can only 
say that whoever has a clear view of the holiness 
of the Divine Character, the spirituality of the law, 
and the glorious purity of the celestial world : and 
at the same time a deep insight into his own heart, 
will feel that " except a man be converted and be- 
come as a little child he cannot enter into the king 



24 MEMOIR OF 

dom of Heaven." He that has never felt the ne- 
cessity of a w renewal in the spirit of his mind" — a 
moral regeneration — has not yet learned the alpha- 
bet of practical Christianity. It will be well for 
him to place himself at the feet of the Divine Tea- 
cher, and learn that " wisdom that cometh from 
above." 

Another class will object to the very marked and 
sensible character of the conversion here related. 
They would prefer a translation more gradual and 
protracted ; and will doubt the genuineness of the 
conversion merely from its suddenness. And yet 
sudden transitions of feeling and character are not 
so very uncommon as to stamp all pretension to them 
with absurdity. Who has not known cases in 
which the inebriate by one energetic volition has 
been entirely reclaimed ? We have also seen rela- 
ted the case of a spendthrift, who by a succession o 
motives arising from reflection upon the conse- 
quences of his habits, was, in a few hours, perfectly 
transmuted into a miser.* And to illustrate the 
change of which a human character is susceptible 
by a succession of external influences, was the de- 
sign of the philosophic Wordsworth's little poem of 
Peter Bell. And these are cases in which no divine 
influence is alleged. With what reason then can 
the rapidity of a conversion be objected to, under 
* Foster on Decision of Character. 






A. H. HURD. 25 

the overwhelming motives and especially under 
the spiritual ageney of Christianity ? But that such 
conversions have taken place no man can deny. 
They must, therefore, have been produced either 
by a divine or a by a human influence ; for no third 
supposition can be made. Now if any deny that 
they were produced by the former, he must admit 
that they were produced by the latter: and this is 
to allow to a human, what is denied to a divine 
agency, viz. power thus suddenly to renovate a 
character. If this conclusion be too absurd, there 
remains only the other horn of the dilemma, which 
is, that the changes spoken of were produced by a 
divine agency ; and this ends the contest. But let us 
consider for a moment. Ifwe have a friend danger- 
ously ill, who would not prefer a marked and rapid 
cure, to one so gradual as to have him Jong vibra- 
ting between convalescence and mortality? And 
we all regard the inebriate's case as much more 
hopeful m a sudden than in a protracted reforma- 
tion. For ourselves, we think the least time, con- 
sistently with our safety, occupied in delivery from 
a great evil, the better. 

Yet we would not attach primary or essential 
importance to the mere mode of conversion. It is 
the thing, the vitality, that we insist upon ; and 
this is ascertained in either case, by the same pro- 
cess, viz: the effects which follow, "by their 



26 MEMOIR OF 

fruits ye shall know them." " As many as are 
led by the spirit of God, they are the sons of God;* 
And the standard is the same whether the conver- 
sion be so marked that the very time and place can 
be referred to. or so gradual that no such reference 
can be made. If, in any case, the solid proofs of 
the conversion follow, it were a waste of breath 
to dispute about the manner of its occurrence. So 
if the earth be parched with a drought and all ve- 
getation begin to languish, we can rejoice at the 
rain whether the earth be drenched by a thunder 
shower or be saturated by the plentiful drippings 
of a summer cloud. For "there are diversities of 
operations ; but it is the same God which worketh 
all in all." 

" But is there not more danger of a relapse from 
a sudden than from a gradual conversion?" That 
depends not on its mode or circumstances ; but on 
its reality, its depth, its completeness. Conversions 
equally radical and thorough, are equally liable 
to relapse and equally likely to endure. But then, 
in this point the argument is decidedly in favor 
of a conversion rapid in its progress: for to be 
rapid, it must be perceptible; to be perceptible it 
must be powerful; and if powerful it must be deep. 
Such a conversion, perceptible, deep, and powerful, 
breaks up the " great deep" of the human soul, 
sunders the old associations and the sinful habits at 



A. H. KURD. 2/ 

once, forces the thoughts and affections into new 
channels, and prepares the heart to receive deeper 
impressions from the eternal world, and gives the 
character a decisive stamp. In such a stirring of 
the heart, and renovation of the feelings, there is 
comparatively little liability to mistake. Slight 
movements of the feelings we may mistake, but 
there are movements so obvious, so sensible, as to 
set doubt at defiance. The wind may blow so 
softly that we hardly know whether it blow at all 
or not; but it is when we have to look twice to see 
whether the aspen leaf tremble ; not when we see 
the lofty oak shivered, or the poplar's tall head 
salute the horizon. And if a rapid conversion be 
more satisfactory at the time, much more is it so 
in looking back upon it afterwards. A man may 
forget or disbelieve a very gradual, imperceptible 
conversion. But to forget one so rapid and obvi- 
ous, is much like forgetting having once been 
snatched from a burning house or a watery grave. 
But in all disputes of this kind the scriptures 
must be our last appeal. " To the law and the 
testimony: if they speak not according to this 
word, it is because there is no light in them." 
Now it is remarkable that the cases of conversion 
mentioned in the New Testament are all sudden. 
Such was that of Saul of Tarsus, the three thou- 
sand on the day of Pentacost, the thief on the cross 



28 MEMOIR or 

and the jailor of Philippi. Indeed, I know not an 
exception. Lydia's is sometimes alleged to the 
contrary. But this is equivocal: for it is not said 
whether her " heart was opened" suddenly or 
by a gradual process. Now, though we are not 
at liberty to assume that all the modes of conver- 
sion are illustrated in the New Testament, and, 
therefore we need not deny the reality of all others, 
yet we must not deny the reality of such as 
are there exhibited. Moreover when all the re- 
corded cases of conversion are sudden, and not one 
gradual, there must surely be some strong reason 
for it, and it is not difficult to decide on which side 
of the argument the advantage lies. 

We have not found any minute account of young 
Hurd's mental exercises at this ; nor do we think a 
detailed exhibition of any importance, however 
gratifying it might be to our curiosity. The gen- 
uineness of his conversion was evidenced by his 
subsequent character, by tha clearness and sound- 
ness of his religious views, and by the uniformity 
of his life. He entertained always a deep sense 
of the enormity of sin, of the inherent depravity 
of our nature, and our exposure to the demands of 
divine justice. He had a clear perception of the 
way of salvation through the atonement of the 
Savior, and "being justified by faith, he had peace 
with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." And 



A, H. IIURD. 29 

as he ever acknowledged that he was "saved by 
faith," so he ever "lived by faith," feeling that 
the sacrifice of Christ was needful to his continu- 
ance in "the way of life," as much as to his first 
entrance upon it. His views of the nature and 
offices of the Eloly Spirit were not less lucid. He 
believed that as the Third Person in the glorious 
Trinity, is the efficient agent in conversion, so He 
is the efficient producer of all good in the human 
soul. He was not only "born of the Spirit," but 
he also "walked after the Spirit " and was "led 
by the Spirit" into all holiness of heart and prac- 
tice. Thus while the " Spirit itself bore witness 
with his spirit that he was a child of God," it led 
him also to furnish a happy proof by his life and 
conversation of the reality of his adoption into the 
family of God. 

We do not claim for the subject of our remarks 
unsullied or perfect holiness: yet will the reader 
as he passes along often feel constrained to admire 
the loveliness of his Christianity, and that beauty 
and dignity of demanor of which int lligent and 
scriptural piety is the unfailing parenc. He will 
feel his aspirations after purity ; will see the integ- 
rity of his motives; the singleness of his purposes; 
the elevation of his aims ; the benevolence and ex- 
pansiveness of his views ; and then, if I mistake 
not, he will render homage to that religion which 



30 MEMOIR OF 

shone in him so conspicuously. Through all the 
changes of his life he was essentially the same. 
Whether laboring amid hardships with the Indi- 
ans ; or engaged in his preparatory studies at the 
seminary ; or in the higher and more trying sphere 
of a college life ; whether directly engaged in the 
offices of religion, or fulfiling the duties which are 
deemed necessary to the acquirement of a thorough 
education, he still " walked by the same rule, and 
minded the same things." If he ever deviated 
from the dignity of the elevated christian character, 
it was perhaps in occasional sallies of pleasantry 
bordering on levity. He possessed an exuberance 
of animal spirits, joined to a most affectionate and 
confiding disposition ; and these acting on a very 
lively imagination and a strong perception of the 
ludicrous, may sometimes have led him beyond 
the bounds of strict mental sobriety. Of this, how- 
ever, the writer does not judge from personal ob- 
servation, but from his own confessions. And yet 
who does not know that the self accusations of a 
truly good man are always to be taken with al- 
owance? Certain it is, that he never departed from 
the integrity of his purposes, nor ever, at school, at 
college, or in private circles, lost for a moment, 
the confidence of his christian friends. 

But it is not our intention to paint the features ot 
his character. We prefer that they should be 



A. H. HURD. 31 

illustrated by his own letters and journal, together 
with such few characteristic incidents as we have 
been able to collect. We sincerely regret that the 
latter are not more numerous ; especially as his 
life, considering its brevity, abounded in incident; 
but few as they are, they will serve, in some degree, 
to illustrate many of the more prominent and inter- 
esting- traits in his character. 



CHAPTER III. 

Diary — mode of Life. — Trials. 

Among the papers which, relate to this period 
of his life, we find the following memoranda of 
his religious feelings. They were evidently writ- 
ten for his own private use. His object was by a 
record of events, resolutions, blessings and emotions, 
to refresh his own mind in after days, and by revi- 
ving the impressions of the past, lead to increased 
devotedness in the future. A journal judiciously 
kept has been found very useful and interesting 
both religiously and otherwise ; and it is a means 
of self-improvement and gratification often resorted 
to by wise and good men. But as there must neces- 
sarily be in all such diaries a large share of common- 
place sentiments and much repetition, their utility is 



32 MEMOIR OF 

not always proportioned to the space they occupy. 
We shall, therefore, only present such portions of 
these papers to the reader, as we think best calcula- 
ted to illustrate his character, and incite others to a 
pursuit of kindred excellencies. 

The first record of this kind which we meet with 
was kept while he was employed in teaching the 
Indians at Rice Lake. With considerable variety 
of thought and expression for a youth of such limit- 
ed opportunities, they breathe a burning spirit of 
piety, and great devotion to the work in which he 
was engaged. 

April 25th, 1830. 
44 Another revolving day has passed, and I am 
hastening to the tomb. O, may my soul be ripen- 
ing for a blessed immortality! Oh, may each day 
advance me towards my eternal rest ! May every 
tempestuous storm of life serve to waft my little 
bark across the boisterous ocean of time to the fair 
banks of Canaan; happy land! But alas, how 
slow my progress ! At one time I seem to pass 
along with ease, all is sunshine and joy, until I can 
behold with an eye of faith the promised land ; 
when alas, how sudden the change ! A storm of 
temptation or unbelief arises and deadness covers my 
soul and threatens to overwhelm me in despair. And 
then how does a calm ensue and not a breeze glan- 
ces across my soul. 



A. H. KURD. 33 

May 1st. 
Of late I have been exceedingly happy. I have 
felt much of that rapturous joy which exalts the 
soul from earth to Heaven. And now, though 
somewhat ill, I have peace within, and a blessed 
hope of Heaven. What joy, what tranquility, 
and what lasting peace that soul possesses who has 
communion with his God, and 

" Can read his title clear 
To mansions in the skies*" 

May 22d. 
O, how dark and gloomy is the season when 
Jesus hides his smiling face ! The fairest day, the 
dearest earthly joy, the most delightful scenes are 
void of happiness ; they afford no real comfort to an 
immortal spirit. 

May 25. 
Every day brings fresh tokens of thy love to me, 
Oh, my God ! Though thou dost afflict, it is only 
for my good, to show my proud and stubborn heart 
the necessity of laying up treasure in heaven, where 
sickness, pain and death never enter, and where sin 
can never destroy my peace. 0, that each trial, 
temptation and affliction may beget within me a 
holy indignation towards sin, the cause of all these 
evils, and be as " a thorn in my flesh" to prevent me 



34 MEMOIR OF 

from resting easily, and to stir me up to more dili- 
gence, to ensure a crown among the blessed — an 
inheritance among the sanctified. But in spite of 
all these mercies and afflictions which I have re- 
ceived, I feel that my heart is too cold, my prayers 
and devotions too lifeless. 

June 7. 
This life is still a season of trials and afflictions. 
But how necessary that I should be afflicted, that I 
may make "God my portion forever." O, may 
my soul trust in the Lord ! for the the soul that 
makes Christ his savior and redeemer shall never 
be forsaken. 

June 21. 

# # # # # # # 

But of all my foes, my own wicked heart is the 
most deceitful. For though I try and and toil to 
keep it to the work, yet it lags and goes but very 
slowly, and frequently revolts against the Savior 
and looks back on the vanities of the world with 
wishful eyes until it loses sight of its guide and is 
involved in darkness. Why, O my heart, art thou 
tarrying by the way, wasting the precious time that 
God has given thee to secure an eternal rest ? 



This day, I trust, has in some degree been spent 
to the glory of God. This morning I attended Sun- 



A. H. KURD. 35 

day School with Indian friends and endeavored to 
speak to thern. I then went to meeting with my 
white and Indian friends. I there enjoyed a de- 
gree of the love of God in my soul This evening 
attended prayer meeting with my Indian brethren. 
Here the Lord was pleased to pour out his spirit 
upon us. Surely, O Lord, " one day in thy courts 
is better than a thousand" "in the tents of wicked- 
ness." I would rather be a servant in the house of 
my God than to dwell in the palaces of the wicked. 
I would rather spend my life in solitude could I en- 
joy thy presence, than to be blessed with the compa- 
ny of men and angels without thee. As well might 
I live without food, or breathe without air as be 
happy without thee. When thou dost withdraw 
thy wonted smiles and hide " the light of thy coun- 
tenance" from me, horror and darkness encompass 
me round. But when the intervening clouds give 
way, and I behold but a glimmering ray of heav- 
enly light, Oh how it cheers this gloomy vale and 
makes this mournful heart rejoice. 

August 26. 
Since last Monday I have passed through various 
scenes. I have been engaged in teaching the chil- 
dren of the woods with whom I have spent almost 
two years. Sometimes I have enjoyed the smiling 
countenance of my Lord and my labor was delight- 



36 MEMOIR OF 

ful. But at other times I have passed through pe- 
culiar trials. But in all my trials God has been 
my support. I often fear lest my labors among the 
natives of the forest should not be useful. But Oh, 
thou searcher of hearts, thou knowest the sincerity 
of my intention. And if I have erred, or if it be 
thy will that I should discontinue my labors, O ! 
thou fountain of wisdom, direct me aright, and suf- 
fer me not to do that which would injure thy cause. 
If it be thy will that I should go on and continue 
to labor in thy vineyard, O Lord, support and 
strengthen me; make me competent to the work; 
and O ! may all my actions be performed to the 
glory of thy name, and the good of thy cause. And 
if at any time my labors have been useful, to thy 
name, O Lord ! be all the glory. 

Sunday. 
Oh ! how can I express my gratitude to God for 
his mercy and goodness to me. Surely his good- 
ness exceeds all that language can express or 
tongue declare. This is the first Sabbath that I 
have enjoyed with my red brethren here for some 
time. It has been a blessed season to my poor soul. 
It brings to mind the happy seasons that are fled 
which I have enjoyed with my sable friends at 
Schoogog, some of whom are dear to me as life. 
O, shall we ever meet again on earth? If not, may 
we meet around thy throne above ! 



A. H. HURD. 



S7 



Some passages in the foregoing diary will strik- 
ingly evince the deep interest which the youthful 
missionary felt in the welfare of his charge. An 
exhibition of his life would amply prove that these 
expressions are a true record of his feelings. Hav- 
ing gone among these untamed people purely to do 
them good, he immediately began to conciliate their 
friendship and confidence. To accomplish this, he 
accommodated himself to their prejudices; adopted 
their habits; conformed to their innocent customs. 
He hunted and fished with them ; like them he 
slept upon the ground in a blanket, and partook of 
their fare. He set himself diligently about learn- 
ing their language, and such was his success that 
before long he could use it, not only in common 
conversation, but he could pray and exhort in it 
with ease and fluency. Indeed, so far did he carry 
the use of their language that he was in some dan- 
ger of forgetting his own : for when he left them, 
it is said, he was more familiar with Chippeway 
than with English. 

This course of conduct had the happiest effect 
upon the minds of his red brethren, who are pro- 
verbially wedded to their own modes of life. 
Against him they had no ground for jeolousy or 



38 MEMOIR OF 

distrust. They saw him only as one of them- 
selve. He identified himself with them, embra- 
ced their interests, entered into their sympathies. 
Thus he secured their confidence, and wound him- 
self into their affections. The consequence was 
that they received cheerfully his instructions, and 
all, both old and young, looked up to him for di- 
rection and advice. They appear to have regarded 
him as a brother, and as a mark of their affectionate 
esteem they conferred on him the Indian name of 
Pahwahsayashkunk — a name which he seems to 
have used with no little satisfaction. 

We wish most sincerely that it was in our power 
to present the reader with more facts connected with 
this portion of our friend's life. But having done 
all we could to collect them, we have been obliged 
to give it up. We believe that while at Rice Lake 
he lived in the family of the missionary, and was 
consequently in the enjoyment of comparative com- 
fort ; as much so, at least, as could be expected in a 
log cabin of two or three rooms, buried in the dense 
forest and shut out from civilized life and habits. 

While among the Indians he passed through 
sundry exposures and trials. At one time, in going 
to a distant settlement, he spent several days on the 
lake in company with two of the natives in an open 
canoe. Their provision consisted of coarse Indian 
cakes and roasted meat thrown together into the 



A. H. HURD. 39 

bottom of the vessel, from which each helped him- 
self as his appetite prompted. At night they ran 
up into a creek or core, and having moored to the 
shore, threw themselves down in the boat and slept 
till morning, with the plank for their couch and the 
heavens for their canopy. 

He was not always quite so well off as this. At 
a subsequent period, perhaps while among the 
Mohawks, his lodgings were in the wigwam of a 
chief. This man was a friend to the missionaries. 
He had a son, however, who was quite otherwise. 
He was angry at their interfering with their native 
habits, and introducing the customs of civilized life, 
and especially for opposing their intemperance and 
debauchery. When sober, the fear of his father, 
the old chief kept him under restraint. When in 
liquor he was apt to be boistrous and almost ungov- 
ernable. One night when Mr. Hurd had retired to 
rest, this young man came home deep in liquor. 
He was evidently in a very ill humor. As he cast 
hasty glances around the apartment, his attention 
was attracted by the missionary's bed, and he ap- 
peared to select him as the object on which to dis- 
charge his fury. He picked up an axe which lay 
in the room, and approached apparently with ma- 
lignant intentions. The youthful missionary saw 
the whole movement, and had no doubt that his days 
were numbered. But he raised his head in prayer 



40 MENOIR OF 

to him that can alike still the waves of the ocean or 
quell the passions of the human breast, and the 
tempest seemed to pass from the soul of his enemy. 
He put aside his instrument of death and retired. 
Thus the servant of God might say, " I cried unto 
the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of 
his holy hill." " I will both lay me down in peace, 
and sleep, for thou, Lord, only makest me to dwell 
safely." 



CHAPTER IV. 

Letters — Diary — Observations on Indian Char- 
acter. 

We present to the reader the following letters 
written during his residence at Rice Lake. Some, 
indeed, may think that it would have been wiser to 
omit these juvenile productions, or at least to modify 
their phraseology. But we wish to represent him 
just a she was ; and the discerning reader, while he 
marks the immaturity of the mental germ, will bet- 
ter appreciate the rapidity of its subsequent develop- 
ment. 

These letters will serve especially to exhibit his 
devotedness to the cause of the Savior, and the wel- 
fare of the Indians as well as the fervency of his 



A. H. KURD. 41 

domestic and social affections. The reader will 
see, too, that in the midst of his privations and dis- 
advantages he found or made opportunities for in- 
dulging his thirst for knowledge, and had, in fact, 
already formed a determination to pursue a tho- 
rough course of education. 

The first of these letters is addressed to his fa- 
ther, and is as follows. 

Rice Lake, FeVy 15, 1831. 
Dear Father, 

Through the mercies of God I arrived here 
on Saturday evening. I was disappointed in get- 
ting down in the stage, it being so full. But I hap- 
pened to find a man going right down to Coburg : 
he took me in and carried me as far as Shaw's ta- 
vern. He there had some friends to visit and said 
he would call in the morning early and take me 
on ; but I saw no more of him. I then got an op- 
portunity with the landlord as far as Port Hope. 
Here I was obliged to leave my trunk, not getting 
any chance to carry it. 1 have not heard from it, but 
expect it came down in yesterday's stage. I came 
across Peter Jacobs at Coburg who went out with 
me. I found brother Case at Rice Lake. He 
stopped with us over Sunday, and has now gone 
up the country. I found brother Evans, and the 
Indians well. I spoke to brother C. to get me 



42 MEMOIR OF 

some books, but I fear he will forget it And 1 
wish if you should goto York (now Toronto,) you 
would get me a Latin dictionary and Testament 
Should you get this before Philander goes below, 
I wish you would send down two or three barrels 
of flour. 

I wish to be remembered to all the friends in af- 
fection. I ask an interest in all your prayers, and 
can assure you that you are not forgotten by me. 
My health is good, for which I desire to be thankful 
to God. 

Write to me as soon as you can. As ever your 
most dutiful son. 

Aaron H. Hurd. 
Pahwahsayashkunk. 

Rice Lake, April 23d, 1831. 
Dear Father, 

I received yours of the 20th of March some 
time ago, and should have answered it before had 
I not written a short time previous to receiving it. 
I was very glad to hear that you were all well, and 
that the friends in the State were alive and trying 
to get to Heaven. I suppose you will shortly ex- 
pect me home ; but I do not intend being there un- 
til the last of June or first of July. I have been 
quite disappointed about studying, as brother E. has 
not been in the school at all and does not intend to 
take it any more. I have received nothing from eh 



A. H. HURD. 43 

der C. and am almost destitute of money. I wrote 
to him some time since, but have not heard any 
word from him. However, I think of stopping 
till the camp meeting which will probably be at 
Haldimand Four Corners, just below Coburg on 
the 12th of June. I do not know whether you 
(had) better send me any money or not. But should 
you go to any camp meeting, I think this will be 
as near for you as any, and then you might bring it 
yourself I wish you would all come, and then 
I might go home with you : but if not all, some of 
you, I think at least may come. When I come I 
shall expect to go somewhere, where you may think 
proper, to study and improve my own education. I 
think I wrote before about a Latin Testament and 

dictionary, and I wish you not to forget them. 

* # # # # 

My love to all the friends. I still make the 
Lord my trust and my support in every trouble. I 
hope you all will pray for me. You will forgive 
my bad writing and blundering manner, as I am 
quite afflicted with a bad swelling in the throat and 
feel so much indisposed. 

Yours as ever, 

Aaron H. Hurd. 

P. S. I am getting better of my swelling in the 
throat. 

If the reader be inclined to smile at the concl'j- 



44 MEMOIR OF 

sion of the letter, he will admire the consideration 
evinced in the postscript. 

The next letter is addressed to Mr. Juna Hix, 
Hoosac, New York ; and seems intended for a cir- 
cle of friends in that vicinity. It is written in a spi- 
rit of affection and piety, and withal seasoned with 
a pleasantry, which proves that though devout, he 
was by no means gloomy or morose. 

Rice Lake, May 16, 1831. 
My Dear Friends, 

Perhaps my name, which is Aaron Haynes 
Hurd, is almost forgotten by you. I therefore send 
you the following to show, that through the mer- 
cies of the living God, I am still in ihe land of the 
living, and that although so great a space of time 
has elapsed since I enjoyed your friendly caresses, 
I have not forgotten you. Young as I was when I 
removed from my native place to the woods of Ca- 
nada, I still look back some times with pleasure, at 
others with sympathetic tender feelings to the days 
of innocency and pleasure which I spent with you, 
when the kind affectionate looks, and the tender ca- 
resses of a Grandfather, Grandmother, Uncles and 
Aunts, made my infant heart rejoice. But oh, 
what revolutions have taken place since that time! 
Grandfathers, Grandmothers, friends and relations 
have gone the way of all the earth, no more to )be 



A. H. HURD. 45 

enjoyed in this life. And your dear Aaron whom 
you perhaps thought had gone to Canada to suffer 
and perish, is now in very good health and employ- 
ed in the service of King Immanuel, in teaching 
the red people of the forest the words of Eternal 
Life. This people, whom you perhaps feared 
would be more savage to us than the bears or 
wolves, are my most intimate friends. My heart is 
so bound up in theirs, that were I to be entirely se- 
parated from them, I do not know but I should pine 
away and die with melancholy. You would be 
astonished to hear with what facility the children 
answer several hundred questions on arithmetic, 
geography, grammar, geometry, natural philoso- 
phy, Scripture, and astronomy. Their singing is 
most delightful. Their voices are sweeter than the 
voices of birds, and I am bold to say that go far and 
near throughout the boasted land of liberty, you 
will not be able to produce (such) delightful sing- 
ers. Their fervor in their religious devotions is 
remarkable. I have heard them frequently at the 
distance of two miles, praising the Lord, and sing- 
ing the high praises of Jehovah. This I think is 
the fulfilment of the prophecy, " The wilderness 
and solitary place shall be glad for them, and the 
desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose." (Isa. 

XXXV. 1.) 

I am about sixty-five miles from my father's. I 



45 MEMOIR OF 

have not heard from there within six weeks. They ' 
were then all in good health, and trying to serve 
God and get to Heaven. I suppose Father wrote 
all the particular news last winter, and as I have 
not been at home, I can say little about their affairs. 
The last letter that I received from Father, he said 
he had the preceding evening received three letters 
from Hoosac. I was much rejoiced to hear that 
you were all alive, and endeavoring to do the will 
of God. . 

My own health is quite delicate though very 
good now. You would perhaps not think so if 
you were to hear of my travelling on the water for 
a number of days in a small open birch bark canoe 
and lying in the canoe night after night with no 
other shelter but the open firmament of heaven, and 
part of the time to live on the flesh of wild cat. But 
however that may appear to you, it is quite a recre- 
ation to me. For I am so much of an Indian, that 
a mud turtle, or the hind leg of a beaver is one of 
the most delicious dishes that I can have. I should 
be very glad to see you, but know not whether we 
shall ever meet on this side of the grave. But I 
hope to meet you when the storms of life are past, 
in the kingdom of Heaven. 

As I have said but little about religion, I think it 
best to say something about it before I close. I feel 
grateful to God that ever I came to the woods of 



A. H. HURD. 47 

Canada; for my heart was so full of pride, and all 
manner of wickedness, that I fear had not God in 
his providence called us into the woods and then 
among the Indian?, that I should have sinned on, 
and been lost. But, praise the Lord ! I know that 
he has brought me from darkness to light, from 
serving sin and Satan, to the delightful service of 
the blessed Savior, Philander also is engaged for 
the salvation of his soul. O, that God may carry 
on his work in all our hearts to the day of redemp- 
tion ! I long to see the day arrive when all the 
nations of the earth shall be gathered into the fold 
of Christ, and the kingdoms of this world become 
the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. I desire 
nothing so much as that the •' old man may be de- 
stroyed in me, and that my heart may be stamped 
with the image of Christ, the second Adam. And 
now may the Lord bless us all ; and help us so to 
run the heavenly race that we may obtain an im- 
mortal crown of glory ! God forbid that any of us 
should u turn from the holy commandment:" but 
let us " press toward the mark for the prize of our 
high calling. I would humbly beg an interest in 
all your prayers ; and hope that while you sur- 
round the throne of grace, you will not forget your 
unworthy friend in the woods. 

Please present my compliments to all the friends ; 
to H. V. my old playmate; to W. W., Dr. A's sons, 



48 MEMOIR OF 

and as many more as I have forgotten. My kind- 
est love to you all, and as much to Grandmother 
as the letter can contain. 

As ever your most affectionate grandson, nephew 
and friend. 

Aaron H. Hurd. 
Pahwahsayashkunk. 
(My Indian name.) 

P. S. June 15. I arrived at the Mohawks, where 
I expect to labor for awhile ; was kindly received 
by brother H. and family ; feel somewhat embar- 
rassed from not understanding their language ; but 
hope the Lord may be with me in my lonely re- 
treat, and own and bless the labors of his servant. 
The feelings under which I came to this place were 
very unpleasant and unhappy. But I (pray God) 
to bless both me and my labors, that vkhile I am 
trying to do a little good to this people, I may im- 
prove myself both in literature and piety !" 

The unhappy feelings of which he here speaks, 
are more fully explained in the following letter, 
written to his father while on his way from Rice 
Lake to the Mohawk settlement. 

Colbourn, June 13, 1831. 
Dear Father, 

Yours of the 1st instant came to hand on Friday 



A. H. HURD. 49 

last, when on my way to camp meeting. I was 
very glad to hear from you ; but at the same time, 
while it afforded pleasure to my mind, it gave me 
an unpleasant feeling to hear of mother's illness. I 
should have been greatly gratified could I but have 
seen her, and I felt a strong desire to come home 
and see you all. But it seems Divine Providence 
has not so designed. 

I received at the same time a letter from Elder 
Case pressing me to go down to the Mohawks. He 
was not at camp meeting; but brother R. urged 
me ; said there was no other teacher to be obtain- 
ed; that the people were a pious, excellent people, 
destitute of instruction, and crying for help ; and he 
thought I should do wrong to neglect them. 

After other reasons I mentioned for coming 
home, I told him mother was sick, and I wished to 
go and see her. He said you cannot cure her if 
you go, and if you write and tell them you are sor- 
ry, it will do just as well as though you went and 
told them, &c. With great reluctance, I, this 
morning took an affectionate leave of brother and 
sister E. and other good friends on the camp ground* 
and repaired to this place to take the stage for the 
Mohawks. God only knows whether he has call- 
ed me there, whether I shall do any good, or how I 
shall enjoy myself But I know that nothing but 
a sense of duty to God, and my fellow men could 



50 MEMOIR OF 

induce me to go. There appears to be something 
that draws me home. What it is, I know not ; but 
I had to exercise all the faith, of which I was pos- 
sessed, to overcome my inclination to go home. 

I feel my own weakness, and ask you to bear me 
to a throne of grace. I will adopt the language of 
John Sunday* when speaking of himself. " You 
think A. H. can do something ; no he can do no- 
thing. He is too weak unless God go with him. 
O ! pray that the Spirit of God may go with him." 
I thank God for sparing my life and yours. I hope 
to see you about Conference ; for I told brother R. 
not to depend upon me after that. I then intend to 
lay aside the missionary cause for a year or two, 
and go to school. I wish you to get the books I 
wrote to you about if practicable, and try to make 
some preparation about my going away to school. 
I wish to obtain an education that I need not be 
ashamed of. The harvest of the Lord is great, but 
the laborers are few. 

My kindest love to all friends ; and an interest in 
all your prayers, that I may be holy both in heart 
and life, and that beyond this vale of tears, I may 
meet you in the kingdom of God above. 

As ever your affectionate son, 

Aaron H. Hurd. 
Pahwahsayashkunk 
* A converted Indian. 



A. H. fiURD. 51 

Poor fellow ! Instead of seeing his father at 
Camp Meeting, he only received a letter, and that 
informing him of his mother's illness. Instead of 
going home, as he expected, he was hurried off to 
a new and strange field of labor, among a people 
whose language was entirely unknown to him. 
One cannot but feel as if his advisers might have 
had some mercy on him ; and yet, perhaps, there 
were other circumstances which made this course 
necessary. But it is pleasing to see how he is sus- 
tained by a strong sense of duty, and a filial reli- 
ance upon God. 

Nor will the reader overlook his determination 
to prosecute his studies. The formation and reten- 
tion of such a purpose situated as he was, shows his 
energy and perseverance, while the objects he had 
in view are creditable to his heart. It is obvious 
that his design was to qualify himself for greater 
usefulness to his fellow beings and in the cause of 
God He wished to become an efficient laborer in 
the moral vineyard. 

During his residence with the Mohawks, he kept 
as usual a diary of his religious feelings, from which 
we extract the following passages. 

June 19, 1831. 
Sunday. It is a matter of serious inquiry to me r 
for what purpose I am come hither. I have left 



52 MEMOIR OF 

all my friends, both white and Mississaugah friends, 
all that I held dear, all that I esteem on earth: 
have come hither, turned my back on the world, 
excluded myself all society, except that of the Mo- 
hawks, and have become as a hermit in the world. 
And for what ? Is it for the love of money ? No ; 
for I scarcely get a living. Is it the love of fame? 
No ; for my name is hardly known among men. 
Is it to gratify animal desires ? No ; all my de- 
sires draw me away. What then ? Why, it was 
a firm persuasion that the Lord called me hither. 
It was my love and attachment to his cause, and 
my covenant with God for him to live and die, that 
constrained me to obey his call. 

But if the Lord called me hither, it was no 
doubt to be useful. And is that end likely to be 
answered ? The Lord grant that it may. 

The children do not understand my language 
much; and I understand theirs none at all. But 
I hope by God's assisstance to overcome this ob- 
stacle, and to see the cause prosper here. 

The people appear to have the spirit of the Lord 
among them, and I find great liberty in speaking to 
them. The word appears to be attended with the 
powerful energy of the Holy Spirit. 

July 1st, 1831. Saturday. 
Another week is now gone into eternity. With 



A. H. HURU. 53 

what gratitude ought I to lift my heart to God for 
his preserving care, and for all the blessings of his 
gracious providence. 

Last week I attended camp meeting in Adol- 
phustown. There I beheld the grace of God 
gloriously displayed in the conviction, conversion, 
and sanctification of souls. O, may I ever remem- 
ber to my advantage that blessed meeting, the pe- 
titions I there put up to heaven, and the engage- 
ment I made in the sight" of God for him to live 
and die ! 

I now enjoy very good health, and though I 
have some trials, yet thank God, the lines are 
fallen to me in pleasant places, and we have a 
goodly heritage. 

This day I visited sister Case, dear woman ! 
her work appears almost done. Her body wasted 
to a shadow, her mind enfeebled and disordered, 
she appears near her eternal rest. 

Though I never saw her before, she seemed glad 
to see me, and expressed great desire for my pros- 
perity in the cause. She said she had intended to 
supply my wants at this mission. The Lord re- 
ward her a hundred fold for her good works, and 
good desires. 

July 17. 
Another week of my life is now gone ; another 



54 MEMOIR 01 

week of my labors ended. O, how short the space 
since last Monday morning! It then appeared 
quite a space of time ; but now it seems a point, an 
imperceptible point. O, how fatal the delusions of 
those who think that life is long, and that they hate 
time enough and to spare. Reflect, O my soul,, 
upon the shortness of mortal life, and let each mo- 
ment admonish thee of thy speedy departure. Did 
my heart vainly imagine that death was at a dis" 
tance, that years were to revolve between me A 
and the grave, alas how vain, how delusive^ 
would be such thoughts! Death is on my 
right hand and on my left. If I look forward he 
stares me full in the face. If I cast a look be- 
hind, he presses me closely. Every object I behold 
seems armed with the arrows of dfeath. O Lord, 
is this my case 1 In the midst of life am I sur- 
rounded by death ? And can I live carelessly as if 
this were my home, my abiding city t Ah no ! I 
cannot rest; I can neither find joy nor peace, un- 
less my God be near. Unless my Savior be with 
me I am wretched. But when thou, my Jesus, art 
with me, even in death I live; and after death shall 
have destroyed my body, I shall live to all eternity. 
O, what a blessed hope to live with God forever in 
glory! 

My heart has for some time been deeply impress- 
ed with the necessity of being holy, and I feel 



A. H. HURD. 55 

every day an increased desire to die to the world and 
live alone to God. O, that I may ever be more 
humble, more patient, more lowly, and more resign- 
ed to the will of God. 

August 1st. 

For a week past I have been much afflicted with 
a bad cough, and a severe pain in my head. But 
I was enabled to continue my school until Satur- 
day, when I was obliged through the violence of 
my head ache to give over. Saturday and Sunday I 
I was mostly confined to my bed. Sunday morning 
I went down to the house of God, but was unable to 
continue during service. However, I was not de- 
prived of the presence of the Lord. Glory to God ! 
he is ever near to support the weak and comfort the 
afflicted. 

This morning I feel a little relieved from my 
pain, but unable to go to my school. I am all re- 
signed to his will either to labor or suffer for him. 
Into thy hands, gracious God, I commit myself. 
Do with me as seems good to thee, only give me 
grace to do and suffer thy will patiently and cheer- 
fully! 

August Stk. 
Last Saturday I went to Grape Island. On my 
way I fell into company with two men, one of 



56 MEMOIR OF 

whom swore so wickedly it made my blood chill. 
I reproved him, at which he was very highly of- 
fended and threatened me severely. But the Lord 
gave me strength, so that I was not afraid of his 
threats. I continued to reason with him until I 
left him, when he appeared quite calm and spoke 
kindly to me. 

August 13, 
My mind has been not a little astonished at a 
strange appearance of a black spot on the sun to- 
day. The sun was drawing towards the western 
horizon and shined with but a dim lustre when I was 
called by an Indian woman to see this strange 
phenomenon. It was a spot perfectly black appa- 
rently on the sun. I gazed and wondered at it till 
it was out of my view. 

Lord, what weak creatures are we to be so agi- 
tated at any uncommon appearance, and yet to be- 
hold thy wondrous works from day to day without 
the least marks of astonishment or admiration ! 
And how often do we let the dark clouds of unbelief 
not only appear between our souls and the sun of 
righteousness, but totally conceal him from our 
view ! O Lord, let me ever behold the light and 
glory of this thrice glorious Sun, and may I al- 
ways consider every intervening spot as a fetal 
omen ! 



A. H. HURD. 57 

Sept 28, 1831. 
This world is all an empty shadow, a gaudy- 
nothing. It often presents itself under the most 
.alluring prospects and dazzling colors. But it is 
aio sooner enjoyed than it disappears forever. Often 
it assumes some very pleasing and attractive dress ; 
at draws our attention, wins our hearts, and capti- 
vates our souls. We fancy if we could but obtain 
that one thing, it would complete our felicity. We 
set out in pursuit of it, and make it our business 
day and night, to search out the best means to attain 
that end. We follow hard after it, and though it 
sometimes flies before us yet we pursue it, and 
when we are ready to grasp the long sought prize, 
it vanishes from sight and is gone forever. It is 
no sooner gone, than w r e are on the chase for some- 
thing else, and with no better success than before. 
At length death strikes the fatal blow and ends a 
life of cares and disappointments. Happy are they 
who have made sure of the prize of immortality ! 
O my God, help me to lay hold on that prize ! 
Let every moment as it passes remind me of my 
final dissolution ! And as I hasten to the grave 
may I approach toward my eternal felicity ! 

" To patient faith the prize is sure, 
And all who to the end endure 
The cross, shall wear the crown." 

5* 



58 MEMOIR OF 

This was the last entry made in his journal 
while among the Indians. He was now about to 
close his missionary labors, and return to the bosom 
of his family, with a view to carrying out his much 
loved and persevereingly cherished plan of obtain- 
ing a thorough education. On closing this part of 
his life, we may appropriately introduce the follow- 
ing remarks on the Indian character, which though 
they do not differ from our previously formed opin- 
ions, are interesting as coming from a personal 
witness, who had more than ordinary opportunities 
of observation, and who, though young, possessed 
no small share of penetration. They were related 
some years after to the friend to whom we have 
more than once acknowledged our obligations. 

" The children were generally good scholars, 
but more expert than persevering. They would 
receive instruction with more pleasure, and remem- 
ber it longer from conversation, than from books, 
and were especially delighted if an idea or a story 
could be illustrated by pictures. They were im- 
moderately fond of music. 

" Some of the females were beautiful, excellent 
scholars, and possessed fine, generous feelings. 

" Indeed," said he, " there is nothing stoical, as 
people generally suppose in the Indian character. 
They would sit for hours talking, laughing and 
smoking together, perfect specimens of social en- 



A. H. HURD. 59 

joyment. They have keen perceptions and sensi- 
biliaties, which they evince by their extreme acute- 
ness in appreciating puns, and figurative language. 
They always exhibit strong emotions whether of 
grief or joy." 

These observations may possess some interest to 
the philosopher. They serve to establish the iden- 
tity of the human family. However the character 
of mankind may be modified by circumstances, and 
whatever diversities of appearance it may present, 
it is essentially the same all over the world. 



CHAPTER V. 

Returns Home — Pious Resolutions — Determines 
to pursue an education — Letters — Licensed to 
Preach. 

About the first of November young Hurd re- 
turned home to prepare for going to school. His 
hope, however, was destined to be deferred. Soon 
after his arrival his excellent mother, to whom he 
was so much indebted, and who had anxiously an- 
ticipated his return, was seized violently with ty- 
phus fever, and on the 24th of the same month 
breathed out her soul to heaven. In this state of 



60 MEMOIR OF 

affliction the idea of an immediate separation was 
painful, and Aaron therefore made up his mind to 
remain under the paternal roof until the following 
spring. 

The following document found among his papers; 
without date, seems to bear evidence of belonging 
to this period of his life. 

Pious Resolutions 

Respecting Study, Prayer and Meditation. 

Resolved, 1. To devote the morning to the study 
of Latin, the noon spells to writing, the evenings to 
geometry, and the Sundays to reading the Scrip- 
tures and other religious books. 

2. To neglect no opportunity of obtaining know- 
ledge, nor to let any time run to waste ; but to try 
to gather up every fragment. I will also try to 
improve by the conduct of others whether it be 
good or bad. 

3. To attend to private prayer four times each 
day : to wit, just after rising in the morning, at 
noon, about four or five in the evening, and just 
before going to rest at night. 

4. Each night to search my heart in the sight 
of God, and earnestly to inquire of him what is in 
me averse to his will; to think over my actions 
through the day, and whatever I find that has not 
been for the glory of God, I will, by his grace, en- 



A. H. HURD. 61 

deavor to avoid hereafter. I will also in these 
times of retirement meditate on the holiness and 
purity of God, the strictness of his law, and his 
amazing goodness and condescension towards me 
and all mankind. 

4. To fast every Friday and at those times to be 
more importunate with God for the revival of his 
work in my soul ; and to recommend in fervent 
prayer at a throne of grace, my friends who are 
engaged in the same work of piety and self-denial. 

5. That the Sabbath be exclusively devoted to 
reading God's word, meditating thereon, hearing 
the word preached, attending Sunday Schools and 
in private prayer and meditation. 

6. Not to countenance sin, nor smile at it, but 
boldly to reprove it at all proper times. 

7. As much as practicable to have my conversa- 
tion in Heaven. 

8. Never to shun the cross of Christ, but at all 
times when I think it necessary to bear it with pa- 
tience and christian fortitude. 

The determination which Mr. Hurd had formed 
to pursue a thorough course of education will, we 
doubt not, be regarded as a strong proof of mental 
independence. He stood almost alone in his views, 
and encountered no small degree of opposition. A 
movement in favor of education had indeed com 
menced already in the church to which he belong- 



62 MEMOIR OF 

ed, but it had not reached his neighborhood. The 
standard of ministerial acquirements, therefore, was 
low ; and what is worse, those who were most inter- 
ested could hardly be made sensible of it. The 
ministers were a simple minded, zealous and use- 
ful class of men, admirably suited to the work they 
had to perform. In intellectual culture they were 
sufficiently in advance of the people to convey much 
sound religious instruction ; but not enough so to 
prevent sympathy of thought and feeling between 
them. Taken from the mass of the people, they 
used the same language, followed the same laws of 
association, and employed the figures and illustra- 
tions that were common to their hearers. Hence 
they were easily understood, and their words were 
powerful. Had they been more accomplished men 
their preaching would have been useless to their 
audiences, or at least, much less effectual. 

But " the times were changing and men change 
with them," Already things were in a rapid state 
of progression. Population was mul tiplying, so- 
ciety was advancing, the arts of civilized life were 
improving, thought and inquiry on all subjects were 
deepening, and the human mind becoming more in- 
tense in its thirst for knowledge. Moreover things 
were changing in the church. At first the church 
was a nonentity; the materials for forming it had 
to be gathered. To effect this little more was ne- 



A. H. HURD. 66 

cessary than to tell a plain tale of christian history, 
to " preach Jesus and the resurrection,'' to set forth 
the mere alphabet of christian experience. Any 
one who had felt it could do that, provided he had 
fluency and fervor. Many such men were raised 
up who preached " not with the enticing words of 
man's wisdom but in demonstration of the spirit and 
of power." Thousands heard and believed and 
turned to the Lord. But now the work was only 
begun, the church was only commenced. Here 
Were the materials in the rough ; the stones unsha- 
pen, the timber unhewn. Who was to put the ma- 
terials into shape, and place, and rear the spiritual 
edifice ? Who was to raise the columns, and carve 
the capitals, and decorate the cornices of the tem- 
ple ? To do this required ** workmen that needed 
not to be ashamed," men of knowledge and of skill. 
A great work was now to be achieved. The 
people were to be well instructed in the word of 
God. The doctrines of Christianity were to be ex- 
plained and defended. The arguments of infidels 
and errorists of every class were to be answered, 
and the truth of Christianity to be established. The 
meaning of the Bible, a book comprising more 
learning than any other work in human language, 
more deeply sought and more minutely explained 
than heretofore. And ecclesiastical polity was to 
be understood and set forth to the satisfaction of the 



64 MEMOIR OF 

people. All the practical duties of men, and all 
their obligations arising from their multiform rela- 
tions were to be elucidated and enforced. And in 
addition to all this, the benevolent operations of the 
Church — the Missionary, Bible, Tract and Sunday- 
School enterprises — were to be carried forward in 
accordance with its ability and the demands of the 
world. Here was an immense work, and, accord- 
ing to the economy of Heaven, it required a corres- 
ponding instrumentality. And, moreover, more 
and more of this devolved upon the Methodist 
Church, in proportion as she continued to increase 
in numbers and gain a position of greater impor- 
tance in the world. Let these things be considered, 
and who will not admit that the work of the Metho- 
dist Ministry required the highest intellectual 
endowments, the amplest mental stores ? 

The state of the church was altering still more 
essentially. In proportion as the membership of 
the church became more numerous they also be- 
came more wealthy, intelligent and iufluential. As 
they became more wealthy, they were able to give 
superior education to their children ; as the commu- 
nity thus became more intelligent, they of course 
became more influential. It was necessary that the 
ministry should advance likewise in order to keep 
up with the advancement of the people, and retain 
their power to do them good. For it was not to be 



A. H. HURD. 65 

expected that an intelligent and well educated peo- 
ple would be satisfied with an ignorant and unedu- 
cated ministry. As before observed, there must be 
a sympathy of thought, as well as feeling between 
speaker and hearers, a similarity of tastes, a certain 
correspondence of character, in order to give the 
one a power over the other. The government of 
Heaven recognizes this truth; for there is in the 
divine arrangement an admirable adaptation of in- 
strumentality to object — of men to labor. Thus 
while unpolished Peter is sent to preach to unletter- 
ed Jews, the learned and accomplished Paul is se- 
lected to carry the Gospel to the refined Athenians. 
The state of the Church and of the world now de- 
manded a union of learning and piety, and this un- 
ion God had granted them power to secure. The 
church had now the means of providing a ministry 
suited to their character; a ministry who while 
they retained all the primitive fervor and spiritual 
power, should possess mental endowments to meet 
the advanced state of society. And wisely and effi- 
ciently has the church turned her energies towards 
procuring such men. Of this the success of our 
colleges and seminaries, almost beyond our hopes, 
is ample demonstration. 

Mr. Hurd had sufficient reach of mind and 
breadth of survey to perceive all this and shaped 
his course accordingly. But he was considerably 



66 meMoir of 

in advance of those around him, and they strenu* 
ously opposed his purposes. His friends thought 
he was incurring useless expense; the members of 
the church thought it was a criminal waste of time 
to spend so many years in preparing to do good 
when he might begin at once ; and the preachers, 
commendably jealous of the spiritual character of 
the ministry, feared that in laboring to store the 
mind with knowledge, he would lose his spirituali- 
ty. Against all these sincere, but groundless objec- 
tions, this excellent young man stood almost alone, 
but stood immovably. Most sincerely do we re- 
joice that to the most serious of these his life furnish- 
es a satisfactory reply. 

As he early embraced these views so he perse- 
veringly maintained them. Amid all the disadvan- 
tages and privations of even his missionary life, he 
never once swerved from his purposes. Like eve- 
ry other master mind he controlled events to suit 
his aims. We have seen him sending for his 
Latin grammar into the woods ; and there among 
the Indians, he commenced learning the language 
of Virgil and Cicero. By the kindness of his 
friends, or out of his own scanty pittance, or from 
the book case of the missionary, he procured 
works on moral and mental philosophy, and rheto- 
ric. By an acquaintance with the British classics, 
he had already begun to form his taste in polite 



A. H. HURD. 67 

literature, and lay the foundation of his subsequent 
style of composition. But it was in theology that 
he most excelled. With the standard writers of 
our own church, particularly Wesley, Fletcher, 
Clarke and Watson, he was intimately acquainted. 
And certainly for the immediate, every day duties 
of the pulpit, he could not have made a better selec- 
tion. No man who gets his mind full of the senti- 
ments, and his heart imbued with the spirit of these 
writers, can fail of proving "an able minister of the 
New Testament." Yet he did not confine himself 
to them. He took a much wider range than they 
afford, and gathered up knowledge from every val- 
uable author within his reach. 

It is due to our excellent friend to say that among 
his other obstacles, and not the least of them either, 
was the scantiness of his pecuniary resources. His 
father, it is true, was in comfortable circumstances 
as a farmer ; but a good deal of his property was so 
invested, that he could draw from it no revenue; and 
moreover, he had a large and growing family 
to provide for. Hence he could not render Aaron 
very extensive aid, without injuring others who had 
an equal claim upon him. While, therefore, his 
father furnished supplies only in part, he was 
thrown upon his own exertions for the remainder. 
This will explain two facts ; first, that his course of 
education was occasionally interrupted by his 



68 MEMOIR OF 

taking charge of a school: and secondly, that 
while at the academy or College, he assumed more 
labor than he could perform, in order as much as 
possible to expedite his career. This was a melan- 
choly mistake. The task was too great for him. 
His feeble body could not sustain the burden his 
energetic and eager mind imposed upon it. He 
bore up under it, indeed for a season, and had 
strong hopes of coming off in triumph. But he 
sank at last into a premature grave : a sad lesson to 
those who in eager pursuit of any lawful and 
praiseworthy end, violate the laws of our physical 
nature. Truly may we say of him as was said of 
a kindred spirit by a noble bard, 

" 'Twas thine own genius gave the fatal blow, 
And help'd to plant the wound that laid thee low." 

In this important period of Mr. Hurd's life, it 
will be satisfactory to find an exhibition of his views 
and feelings. Such an exhibition, very happily, 
the following letters are well calculated to afford. 
They will be found to breathe the spirit of a man 
and a christian ; they show that the writer, while 
he justly appreciated the dignity of intellectual 
character was not disposed to cultivate it to the 
injury of his spiritual nature. While his mind 
thirsted for that knowledge, to be without which, 



A. H. HURD. 69 

the wisest of men declared "is not good;" he was 
not less intent upon securing that knowledge of 
God and of his son Jesus Christ which is eternal 
life. He felt that man is an intellectual as well as 
a moral being, and therefore that the full develop- 
ment of the susceptibilities peculiar to both natures, 
is essential to the perfection of his being. And, 
indeed, how can we " glorify God," or answer 
the purposes of our existence, if we do not honor 
and improve to the utmost, that wonderful constitu- 
tion with which our creator has endowed us ? But 
we shall let Mr. Hurd speak for himself. The 
reader, we doubt not will be struck with the sudden 
elevation of his train of thinking, and the great im- 
provement in his style : facts which prove conclu- 
sively how diligent he must have been in the 
use of whatever means of mental improvement he 
had been able to command. 

The former of these letters was evidently written 
to some fellow laborer in the missionary work ; but 
his name is not known. 

Reach, April 2d, 1832. 
Dear Brother — 

Feeling myself deeply indebted to you for the 
friendship with which you favored me, while I 
took up my residence at your house, and made one 
of your family ; I am very much gratified when I 



70 MEMOIR OF 

have an opportunity of expressing a degree of that 
gratitude which I owe to you and yours, for the 
favors you conferred on me. 

I have nothing of importance to communicate, 
so far as you are individually concerned ; but write 
merely for the gratification it affords myself — self 
being the principal object in this selfish world. 

And I feel the more gratified in thus addressing 
you, as I cannot promise myself the pleasure of 
seeing you or conversing with you very shortly. 
The time is not far distant when I fondly hope to 
realize what has long been the desire of my heart ; 
viz., of going to a place where science sheds her 
golden ray, and where, by the assistance of Divine 
Providence, I hope to pluck those fair and bloom- 
ing flowers which time itself shall not efface. 

It being our duty to conduct ourselves as ration- 
al ; and not only as rational but as social ; and not 
only as social but as immortal beings ; it becomes 
us to endeavor so to improve our talents as to quali- 
fy us to sustain that character. And without a 
proper improvement of our minds, and cultivation 
of the faculties with which we are endowed, we can 
scarcely sustain the character of rational beings ; 
much less are we able to act as social or immortal 
ones. To use the words of the celebrated Locke, 
"we are only born to be, if we please, rational 
creatures; but it is use and exercise only that 



A. 8. HURD. 71 

makes us so : and we are so no farther than indus- 
try and application have carried us." In order, 
therefore, to sustain the character of rational, social 
and immortal beings, it is necessary that we en- 
deavor to call into action, and cultivate those noble 
faculties which raise man to be the 

14 Distinguished link in being's endless chain, 
Midway fro.n nothing to the Deity,' 1 

It was this, and this only, that induced me to re- 
linquish that pursuit in which I was engaged, and 
which, though often attended with many difficul- 
ties, afforded much solid comfort and satisfaction. 
For happier days than I then spent, I never expect 
to see on earth. And though I am not insensible 
of the trials attending the station that you are called 
to fill, yet were I fully qualified to fill that station, 
I should almost envy you. Such is my attachment 
to that people, that nothing short of a desire to quali- 
fy myself for a more extensive sphere of usefulness, 
could have induced me to discontinue my labors 
among them. And although circumstances hith- 
erto, have been unfavorable to my intention, I still 
have a hope that all things may "work together 
for good." Not that I expect ever to make any 
considerable progress, or attain any degree of emi- 
nence in literature ; but the contrary, must be 



72 MEMOIR OF 

content to dwell on the side, or even stop at the foot 
of the hill of science, and shall be obliged to tug 
and toil against wind and tide, to advance even thus 
far. But I shall feel myself happy indeed, if, 
while others ascend the towering Andes, I may 
have the fortune to climb the scanty mole-hill. 

It doubtless is our duty to aspire after every de- 
gree of perfection which it is possible to attain in 
this life, and to improve the talent which we have 
received, however small, to the best advantage with- 
in our power. And if we trifle away our time* 
and neglect to lay up a useful store of knowledge, 
and to cultivate piety and virtue, we are guilty of 
wasting our Lord's goods, and of burying our 
talent, and shall receive the reward due to our 
cirme. 

It should be our principal object in all our con- 
duct here, to glorify the author of our being, and 
to do all in our power to promote the welfare of 
our fellow-men." 

Here the letter abruptly ends. The second to 
which we alluded was written to some christian 
friend, whose name is likewise unknown. It shows 
that when the time arrived at which he expected 
to go to school, he was unexpectedly detained. The 
cause of this, as well as his present views and 
prospects are sufficiently explained in the letter. 



A. H. HURD. 73 

Reach, July 20, 1832. 

Dear Brother, 

While the sable curtains of night are drawn 
over this part of this earthly ball, and surrounding 
creation is slumbering in silence, I sit down to ad- 
dress a few lines to my much esteemed friend. I 
have repeatedly written to you, and have been as 
repeatedly neglected. Nevertheless I still regard 
you and yours as my benefactors, and my kindest 
friends, and I hope you still have regard enough for 
me to remember me in your prayers, and to feel a 
desire for my welfare. 

You will probably wish to know what I am do- 
ing, what I have been doing, and what I am going 
to do. I answer at present I am doing but little to 
any effect. I labor some, read considerably, medi- 
tate a little, write less, talk too much, and learn too 
little. Through the spring and early part of sum- 
mer I was very ill which prevented me from going 
to school, as I intended, and which with other cir- 
cumstances made me almost conclude that sister E's 
prediction ' that I should never go to school any 
more,' was true. The prospect before me is not the 
most flattering with regaid to my making much 
proficiency in science. In the first place, my ex- 
penses for doctor's bills are considerable, and con" 
sequently I ought to go to the cheapest as w r ell as best 
school ; but I have not been able to get correct in- 



74 MEMOIR OF 

formation about any except Cazenovia, and therefore 
I know not whither to go. And again the Cholera 
prevailing in many parts, my friends are not willing 
that I should go away, and they advise me to wait 
till it shall have subsided. Such are my circum- 
stances ; and how it will turn I know not, only that 
all will " work together for good." 

It has been hinted by the preachers that if I do 
not go to school, I shall be called to labor in the 
vineyard; but they think it best for me to go to 
school ; and I am resolved, if it please God, that 
nothing shall be wanting on my part to accomplish 
that end. I am conscious that without a cultivation 
of the faculties of the mind, any individual (and 
more particularly myself) is qualified to do but lit- 
tle good. I do believe that ignorance is the seed 
and root, from which most vices have their being : 
and for an ignorant man to attempt to promote vir- 
tue and religion, and to destroy vice and wicked- 
ness, is like a cause endeavoring to destroy the ef- 
fect which it necessarily produces. 7 ' 

We have already seen that Mr. Hurd was detain- 
ed at home much longer than he expected. Yet 
this interval was by no means uselessly employed. 
In addition to the aid which he rendered his father 
on the farm, and the employments alluded to in the 
preceding letters, he spent a portion of his time in 



A. H. KURD. 78 

holding religious meetings in the neighborhood, 
And so well was the Church satisfied with these la- 
bors, and with his piety, talents and usefulness, that 
they gave him license to preach the gospel. This 
document is dated Whitby, to which circuit he now 
belonged, June 30, 1832, and is signed E. Ryerson, 
P. E. It was given him soon after he completed 
his eighteenth year. 

It has always been a principle of action in the 
Methodist Church, to license those to preach, who 
sincerely feel themselves "inwardly moved," as 
the Church of England well expresses it, " by the 
Holy Ghost to take on them this office and minis- 
tration," and give suitable eveidence thereof to the 
church, whatever their amount of education may 
be; justly considering that if they have talents 
for usefulness, even in a limited sphere, those talents 
should not be thrown away. And as before obser- 
ved, with strong natural talents, and fervent zeal 
they may do good among a class of persons, who 
would not be affected by a more highly cultivated 
mind. Yet this should not prevent any one from 
using all the means of higher improvement within 
his reach, in order to fit himself for a wider sphere 
of christian enterprize. Such have always been 
the views of the Methodist Church, from the days 
of the Wesley s until now. Meanwhile as unedu- 
cated men are always more numerous and easier to 



76 MEMOIR OF 

procure, than educated ones, there will be no dan- 
ger of not having enough of that class to afford a 
sufficient variety of talent to meet the demands of 
the work. In accordance with these views Mr. 
Hurd resolved to prosecute his education. 



CHAPTER VI. 

Enters the St. Lawrence Academy — the Journey 
to Potsdam — Energy of Character- — Returns 
Home — Letters. 

At length the time so anxiously expected arrived, 
when he was to enter on his academical career. 
Having made suitable enquiry he determined to 
enter the St. Law rence Seminary at Potsdam, New 
York. He left home about the 20th September, 
1832, and proceeded to Coburg, intending there 
to take the steam boat. The wind was so high, 
and the lake so boisterous, that the boat dare not 
come in to the shore. Consequently the passen- 
gers were obliged to trust themselves in a small 
boat and row two or three miles to reach her. 
When they got on board they found but little 



A. H. HURD. 77 

comfort. The sea ran very high, the passengers 
were frightened, the children cried, the ladies 
shrieked ; meanwhile the heaving and tossing of 
the boat, loosened sundry barrels from their fasten- 
ings and sent them tumbling and rumbling about 
the deck in promiscuous confusion. Altogether it 
must have been quite a scene. Even the black 
firemen, generally so reckless and hardy, forgot to 
curse and to sing their favorite ditties, and looked 
on each other with that significant glance which, 
more than any thing else, makes the landsman's 
heart to quail. In such a state men feel how frail 
is the tenure of human life, and how small is the 
space which divides them from the eternal world ! 
The storm, however, abated and they arrived 
safely at Kingston about nine o'clock on Sunday 
morning. Here our young traveller indulges va- 
rious reflections upon his lonely and unpleasant si- 
tuation. While his friends at home were enjoying 
the endearments of the domestic hearth, or praising 
their Redeemer in the sanctuary, he was annoyed 
with the dashing and foaming of the waves, the 
creaking of the engine, and the profane language 
of the company. Yet even this uncomfortable 
season he endeavored to redeem from entire loss by 
reading and meditation. Young's Night Thoughts 
and the devotional parts of Thompson afforded him 
elegant and improving entertainment, and furnish- 



78 MEMOIR OF 

ed subjects of profitable reflection. If all travellers 
were equally wise in selecting their travelling 
companions, how many precious moments would 
be saved, and how much seldomer should we have 
to mourn over the distraction of mind produced by 
journeys ! 

Arriving at Prescott he procured a drunken 
Frenchman and an Irishman to convey him over 
the river into the State of New York. Thence, 
before going to Potsdam, he went to see some 
friends in and about Norfolk. It seems he was not 
very favorably impressed with the first appearance 
of the land of freedom. " In travelling what little 
I have," he observes, " I have not seen much in the 
land to admire. Sometimes we pass over nothing 
but rocks and stones ; the very fields seem paved 
with them. From this we pass to a sandy plain 
covered with small pine bushes, ground hemlock, 
and a few little shrubby oaks. Thence we arise to 
a more fertile growth of sturdy hemlocks, pine, &c. 
And the next we know, we are plunged into a long 
and gloomy swamp of balsams, tamaracks, hem- 
locks, &c. &/•. I" Of course he only speaks of that 
part of the country through which he passed; and 
of this he only gives the general character, to which 
he admits some parts were exceptions. 

Having reached his place of destination he enter- 
ed himself a member of the Seminary. He com- 



A. H. IiURP. 79 

menced studying Greek, Latin, Natural Philoso- 
phy, and Mathematics, and devoted himself to his 
pursuits with singular assiduity and success. This 
is sufficiently attested by the position which he oc- 
cupied as a scholar. He was considered, even then, 
far above mediocrity — a fact of itself sufficiently 
creditable, considering his very limited opportuni- 
ties and recent entrance. He excelled also in elo- 
cution, that difficult part of scholastic duty, and par- 
ticularly to one who has not had opportunity to ac- 
quire the easy and elegant manners of polished so- 
ciety. As a stimulus to improvement in that branch 
it was customary at Potsdam, as at other public 
schools, to hold periodical exhibitions. On such 
occasions, it was the practice to give prizes to the 
best speakers. Mr. Hurd was once a competitor 
and successfully. He received as his award, Cro- 
ley's life of George IV., on a blank leaf of which 
is written " Awarded to A. H. Hurd by the Princi- 
pal of St. Lawrence Academy, as second prize for 
speaking. Potsdam, Aug. 8th, 1833." 

It is gratifying to the pious mind to know that, 
while our young friend was thus intent on his men- 
tal improvement, the spirit of piety never seemed to 
languish in his heart; and that al! his affections 
retained their full vigor and freshness. Of these 
things his letters during this period are ample evi- 
dence. They contain a singular union of intense 



80 MEMOIR OF 

devotion, ardent filial and fraternal attachment, 
blended with lofty aims and fixed purposes of im- 
provement. Several of these letters are before me 
which might all be read with profit and pleasure. 
But as we fear making our volume too large, we 
shall only present a few extracts as a specimen of 
the whole. 

Potsdam, Nov. 26, 1832. 
My dear Father, 

With no small degree of pleasure I receiv- 
ed your letter of the 5th instant; and had I not 
been so crowded with my studies I should have an- 
swered it before now. I rejoice to hear that none 
are disposed to turn from the good way of holiness* 
and it gives me great satisfaction to know that un- 
worthy as I am, and unfaithful as I was while with 
you, I am still remembered as a son, a brother and 
a friend, I assure you the remembrance of days and 
seasons spent in Reach, afford me now and then a 
degree of satisfaction and enjoyment known only to 
such as have felt and enjoyed the same. And 
where'er I may go, oft will Ion fancy's airy wing* 
retrace the past and revisit those sacred chosen spots, 
where with my brethren and friends in Reach and 
Whitby, I have engaged in the holy exercises of 
prayer and praise: where with hearts glowing 
with the love of God, with eyes sparkling with joy, 



A. H. HURD. 81 

and countenances that uttered all the soul, we for- 
got " all time and toil and pain," whilst we talked 
of Jesus and his love, and contemplated the joys of 
Heaven, and the glories of that better world. I 
feel grateful to God that I am still attached to his 
cause, and that I feel a hope which reaches beyond 
the grave. My health is good ; my privileges are 
great and precious." 

Again under date of June 17, 1833 : 
" My health thus far has been very good, for 
which together with all other blessings, I am truly 
grateful to a good Providence. I find no less plea- 
sure in the pursuit of literary acquirements than for- 
merly. And 1 sometimes become so entirely en- 
raptured (absorbed) in the investigation of a mathe" 
matical problem that I forget where I am. And 
even home with all its sacred charms for a time, 
seems to vanish away like a shadow or a dream. 
Butagainthe fond recollection of childhood's scenes, 
the fostering care of affectionate parents, and the 
endearing ties of early friendship, all rush into my 
mind, and I can but weep to think those days of 
early bliss have so quickly fled away. 

And here I cannot but remark how fleeting and 

vain are all the pleasures of this fading world. If 

there be such a thing as earthly happiness, surely 

it must be found either in the pleasures of friendship 

9* 



82 MEMOIR OF 

and social attachments ; or in the pursuit of know- 
ledge. And here on the one hand, we find that a 
vapor, a phantom which is no sooner beheld than 
it is gone; and on the other, it is like the "ignis 
fatuus" which dances before the imagination, and 
continues for ever to lead us on in hope, without 
ever bringing us to the fruition of the desired ob" 
ject. O, that we may all be sufficiently wise to lay 
up for ourselves treasures which shall not pass 
away, when time and earth and all their fascinating 
charms shall be no more !" 



u I am conscious that to be happy is to be active ; 
and active in accomplishing some great and noble 
object; and from this consideration I am ready to 
conclude that we cannot attempt too much — cannot 
have " too many irons in the fire," unless, indeed, 
we let them burn, which we need not do." 

It deserves to be particularly mentioned that even 
in their infancy young Hurd was a strenuous ad- 
vocate of the Temperance Societies. It is well 
known that at first, this enterprise encountered no 
little opposition and reproach ; and much of it from 
well disposed and serious people. Fears, jealous- 
ies, distrusts partly political, partly religious, but 
all equally groundless, were entertained by many; 



A. H. HURD. 83 

and christians and infidels, from different views, 
banded in opposition to one of the most powerful 
engines of modern reformation. We think it great- 
ly to the credit of our deceased friend that he was 
entirely unmoved by these things, and felt no sym- 
pathy with such prejudices. From the beginning 
he took part in this good cause, and retained his in- 
terest in it to the last. He frequently mentions it, 
even at this early period in his letters, urges it upon 
the consideration of his friends, and was ready to 
speak in its behalf whenever opportunity served. 
And at a subsequent period, while a student, name- 
ly, in the University, he made frequent excursions 
into the vicinity for the purpose of advocating these 
principles. 

Nor was his attention limited to this enterprize. 
On the contrary he took a lively interest in every 
thing that tended to human welfare and happiness. 
In particular he took a deep interest in the Sunday 
School cnuse, and served while at Potsdam as su- 
perintendant of the school attached to the Methodist 
Church in that place. 

Mr. Hurd's whole path through life appeared to 
lie on the verge of the grave. Several times he 
was brought near to death by sickness ; we under- 
stand that his life was more than once in jeopardy 
among the Indians from violence ; and twice while 
at Potsdam he narrowly escaped being drowned. 



84 MEMOIR OF 

On one occasion he was bathing in company with 
several students, and getting beyond his depth, be- 
ing an indifferent swimmer, he began to sink. A 
friend swam to his relief. But with the convulsive 
grasp of a drowning man he clung to him so tight- 
ly that both went to the bottom. He was rescued 
at length by his associates ; but not until he was 
supposed to be dead ; nor indeed was he resuscitat- 
ed but with difficulty. On another occasion he 
was bathing with his friend and room-mate Mr. 
Caldwell. Getting farther into a rapid current 
than he was aware of, he was about being swept 
away by its violence. His friend saw his situation 
but remembering the previous occurrence, knew 
not what to do. Mr. Hurd's presence of mind was 
remarkable. He saw at a glance his friend's feel- 
ings and his own peril ; and so far commanded 
himself as to assure him that he should be in no 
danger. The other then approached, and extended 
his hand, which the drowning man calmly grasped 
and was extricated. 

It cannot be expected that the quiet routine of an 
acidemic life, should furnish much variety of inci- 
dent. We have, therefore, but little more to say of 
his residence in Potsdam, than to mention some of 
the discouragements and difficulties he had to en- 
counter. For his whole life was plentifully strew- 
ed with these. It was indeed a life of successive 



A. H. HURD. 85 

conflict and triumph. Obstacles which would have 
appalled and broken less determined spirits, were 
met by him with a resolution that was invincible, 
and a faith that carried him aloft in spite of all de- 
pressing influences. To him, had he with the 
same mental capacity, possessed less moral force, 
and more worldly views, might have been applied 
those beautiful, but scarcely christian lines ofBe- 
attie's Minstrel, 

" Ah ! who can tell how hard it is to climb 
The steep where fame's proud temple shines afar ? 
Ah ! who can tell how many a soul sublime, 
Hath felt the influence of malignant star, 
And waged with fortune an eternal war? 
Check'd by the scoff of pride or envy's frown, 

Or poverty's unconquerable bar, 
In life r s low vale remote hath pin'd alone, 
Then dropt into the grave unpitied and unknown." 

Such were not the views, such were not the sen- 
timents, nor such the end of the lamented Hurd. 
He thirsted not for "the honors that come from 
men." He panted to be useful, and labored for a 
brighter fame in fairer worlds than this. He felt, 
indeed, malignant influences; but he did not quail 
before them. Neither the " scoff of pride" nor 
'* envy's frown" could " check" him, nor to him 
was "poverty," an " unconquerable bar." Even ill 



86 MEMOIR OF 

health could not stop his progress. Faith and re- 
solution made their way over mountains of diffi- 
culty ; and all the floods of opposition could not 
quench the fire they kindled in the soul. 

We find an illustration of these points of his 
character in the following incidents. While in the 
academy at Potsdam, his funds failed him, his 
clothes were worn out, and he had no resources at 
command. His health, heretofore, since his resi- 
dence in this place, unusually good, failed also ; 
and he became so much worse than ordinary, that 
he could hardly hope to live more than a few 
months. In this condition, with only a ninepence 
in his pocket, which he was afraid to spend lest he 
should need it more in future, and little before him 
but an early and an unknown grave, he spent sev- 
eral months in most assiduous application to his 
studies, and with a success unsurpassed perhaps in 
any part of his career. 

The following letter serves still further to attest 
the observations just made. It was written to his 
excellent friend Mr. Caldwell, between whom and 
the deceased, though of different religious belief, 
there existed a friendship like to that of David and 
Jonathan. The letter will sufficiently explain the 
present situation of the writer. He had left Pots- 
dam and returned to his father's intending thence to 
go to some other Academy in the states. 



A. H. KURD. 87 

Whitby, December 5, 1833. 

Dear Caldwell, 

Through the merciful care of a gracious 
Providence, I reached home in safety, after I took 
my last adieu of my good chum in Canton ; and 
had the pleasure once more of mingling in social 
intercourse with the companions of my childhood. 

I made every preparation for my departure for 
the United States, but a wise providence had design- 
ed some other course for me. I even set out and 
went a day's journey on my way thither, and was 
then obliged to return home. The circumstances 
which led to this singular disappointment, I shall 
not here detail. Suffice it to say, that it was some- 
thing beyond my control, and I cheerfully acqui- 
esced, knowing that all " chance is direction which 
we cannot see." 

When I found myself obliged to winter here, I 
had recourse to what I supposed the best plan I 
could adopt, viz. to take a school. Consequently 
I immediately took the degree of " Master," and 
entered on the duties of my station. It may be that 
some good end may be accomplished through this 
trying dispensation. I hope so at least; for I 
would not wish to be utterly useless in the world. 

The prospects of religion here, are quite promis- 
ing at present. A general awakening prevails 
among the people of the neighborhood ; and a fer- 



88 MEMOIR OF 

vent desire for a growth in grace, and an increase 
of uniform and consistent piety appears to pervade 
the church of the Redeemer. Oh Caldwell ! of 
what consequence is our religion, unless it exhibit 
its fruits in a constant, fervent piety, and the daily 
conformation of our lives to the principles of the 
gospel ? O my brother, may you and I constantly 
live near a throne of grace ! May we drink deep- 
ly into the spirit of our divine master ! Oh, let us 
above all things treasure up a saving knowledge — 
a spiritual knowledge of the truth as it is in Jesus ! 
Without this our other acquirements will be but 
"corpus sine ammo." * 

My eyes have been very weak ; in fact, I have 
been some of the time almost blind ; in consequence 
I have not studied as much as I should have done. 
I have read Virgil some ; Cicero's Orations; his 
S omnium Scipionis ; some in Sallust ; the Greek, 
(Reader perhaps,) and some miscellaneous reading. 
I shall endeavor to study as much as my eyes will 
permit during the winter. 

Life and health being spared, I expect to cross 
the Ontario in about four months from this. 
Though I dare not trust much to my future hopes, 
yet one thing is certain, nothing shall be wanting 
on my part to accomplish the course I had marked 

* i, e. A body without a soul. 



A. II. KURD. 89 

out when I left you. My views and feelings on 
this subject are unaltered, although I have quite a 
warfare to pass through. Opposition has risen up 
on every hand; arguments — some ludicrous enough 
— have been brought forward to divert me from 
my intention. Take one example — "perhaps if 
I should go away to college I should come within 
the influence of some — attraction ! ! which might 
divert my mind altogether from my future designa- 
ted course! I" i. e. that I might take such a fancy 
to the gaudy colors of a butterfly, that in my eager 
pursuit after the pretty object I might forget the 
higher and holier object of proclaiming the gospel 
of the Savior! ! All I have wished at such times 
is that I was possessed of a small degree of that 
sarcastic wit which appeared on the stage at the 
exhibition in Potsdam.* 

I often look back with mournful joy to the days 
— the halcyon days, we spent at the St. Lawrence 
Academy. My only sorrow is that they passed so 
soon away. But so it is with earth-born pleasures. 
How should this stimulate us to strive for some- 
thing permanent — a treasure in the skies ! Oh may 
the friendship there commenced, continue to ripen 
and mature while life shall last ! Oh Caldwell ! 
while memory endures, the kind and friendly offices 

♦Alluding to a performance of his friend, Mr. Caldwell. 
10 



90 MEMOIR Of 

conferred on me by your indulgent hand, shall not 
fail to call forth my warmest gratitude. You were 
a friend in my mirth — friend in misery too ; my joy 
in grief, my second bliss in joy : and one — may it 
never be forgotten — whose hand snatched me from 
a watery grave ! I hope the name of Presbyterian 
and Methodist may never be permitted to sever the 
bonds of christian love and charity, which now" 
bind our hearts in one ! Oh Caldwell ! what a 
glorious field opens before us ! How joyfully shall 
we go forth hand in hand to promote the welfare of 
mankind, and make known the unsearchable riches 
of Christ ! And let me ask, should we be spared 
for the great work before us, where can we find a 
more suitable field than that of Africa 1 Or would 
the wandering natives of our western wilds present 
a prospect better calculated to call forth our sympa- 
thies and the efforts of the christian missionary? 
Will it ever be said of us " they are gone from the 
land of their fathers ; they have taken their leave 
of civilized life ; they have taken their last view of 
christianized, happy America, to spend their days 
for the good of the poor negro, and to lay their bo- 
dies on the distant shores of long injured and neg- 
lected Africa?" We must leave these things to the 
direction of a wise Providence. Whatever maybe 
our sphere I hope we may aim at usefulness. 
I do not approve of wasting paper ; consequent- 



A. H. HURD. 9i 

ly I would fill up this blank space. I have lately- 
read HerschclPs treatise on Natural Philosophy. I 
am much delighted with the work. I shall shortly 
give it a second and more careful perusal, and I 
expect to acquire considerable information from it. 
I am sure, Caldwell, that I might have improved 
much more than I have, had I been more careful 
in noting the objects which pass under my observa- 
tion. This I am inclined to think is what gives 
some men a genius so much superior to others. 
One man learns something from the fall of a leaf . 
and another, from inattention, would hardly learn 
any thing from the falling of the stars I" 

We insert also the following as an evidence of 
the christian equanimity with which he met his dis- 
appointments. At the same time it will exhibit a 
lofty tone of pious principle on the one hand, and 
on the other a playful and affectionate vivacity tru- 
ly delightful . It was written at his father's while 
he was staying for a short time previously to his 
going to Cazenovia, and is addressed to the Rev. 
Wm. Youngs, U. C, 

Reach, April 30, 1834. 
Dear Brother, 

I have long delayed writing; but I hope 
you will pardon my negligence, because when I 



92 MEMOIR OF 

intended to write I was very ill ; and since I have 
so far recovered as to be handle a goose quill I have 
usually been employed in some affair which has di- 
verted my attention from the subject. I intended 
when I saw you to be in the U. S. before now. But 
how vain are the purposes of man ! Nothing on 
earth appears to be sure but disappointment. Our 
earthly hopes, however sanguine, resemble the 
" ignis fatuus ;" they are ever just before us ; and 
w T hen we put forth our hand in fond anticipation of 
grasping the prize, behold ! it vanishes and disap- 
pears. But do not imagine that I say this by way 
of complaint. By no means. Had I secured all 
the objects of my desire, and realized all my expec- 
tations, I should have been a miserably unhappy 
person by this time. The disconcerting of my 
schemes,and the blighting of my hopes, are circum- 
stances for which I have cause to be grateful to the 
all-wise, and all powerful Controller of human 
events* 

" In all my ways his hand I own, 
His ruling providence I see." 

And shall a living man complain ? Shall a 
christian find fault and be afflicted, because he can- 
not see the end of all events, when he knows they 
are under the direction of his Redeemer who is too 



A. H. KURD. 93 

wise to err, too good to do wrong, and too powerful 
to be baffled in his purposes ? Perish the thought ! 
While Heaven is rilled with the songs of the re- 
deemed, and angels rejoice over repenting sinners, 
let the christian's countenance never be covered 
o'er with sable melancholy. I say the christian, 
the favorite of Heaven for whose welfare all the at- 
tributes of Deity are employed, should ever wear a 
.cheerful, serene and smiling countenance, though 
disappointment should succeed to disappointment as 
rapidly as one wave of the ocean follows another. 
There is one hope that is sure and steadfast, or may 
be so, and should be so ; the hope of salvation from 
sin, of victory over the world, of redemption from 
the tomb, and of eternal life in yonder better coun- 
try " where is fulness of joy and pleasures for ever- 
more." With this hope as an anchor to the soul 
we'll brave the storms of life, and calmly endure 
the adverse fortune that may befal us here, fully 
assured that how dark soever the clouds may ga- 
ther over our hands, and however loud the tempest 
may howl around, under the direction of our hea- 
venly Pilot we shall outride the billows and be 
safely wafted into the peaceful haven of eternal 
rest. *!0 



94 MEMOIR OF 

4k There we shall bathe our weary soul, 
In seas of heavenly rest ; 
And not a wave of trouble roll 
Across our peaceful breast." 

I suppose you are quite weary of a digression 
from the subject you would naturally look for in a 
line of this kind. Well, to begin. The friends are 
in tolerably good health, and I believe generally 
blessed with contented minds. Mother* has been 
verging towards the frigid clime of " ague." But 
as yet she has escaped, and I devoutly wish so un- 
welcome a visitant may find no admittance here." 

Then after a relation of family news in a pleas- 
ant, cheerful style, he resumes the serious. 

" I expect to leave this within a fortnight if it 
please Providence. But as I have learned by ex- 
perience not to be sanguine in my anticipations, I 
am not altogether sure that I shall leave here at 
all to go to the States. I am opposed by almost 
all my brethren in the ministry, and if their coun- 
sels shall prevail and I conclude to stop, I do not 
know what I shall do. I am fearful when I think 
of assuming the awfully responsible station of an 
itinerant minister ; that neither my talents, judg" 

* His father had married again. 



A. H. HURD. 95 

merit, piety nor experience are such as to enable 
me to perform the duties which will devolve upon 
me ; and that, instead of being in any degree use- 
ful, I shall only be a burthen to the church, a dis- 
grace to the cause, and an injury to religion. Oh 
brother ! This is a subject on which I feel mcst 
sensibly. Let me never, never take upon me the 
sacred office unless the Lord have called me to it. 
Let me live and die in obscurity, and my name per- 
ish in silence rather than set up myself as a watch- 
man in Zion ; lest while I proclaim a woe against 
the wicked I should proclaim a woe against my 
own soul. Moreover, I am yet a youth, and feel 
anxious (if I feel anxious for any thing) to go thro' 
a course of classical education. I have laid a good 
foundation in science, and, if Providence favor me, 
I think I shall now go on, and not think of going 
out into the work until I have spent three or four 
years in study. It appears to me that no man on 
earth requires so much talent, so much knowledge 
of men and things, a mind so well cultivated, an un- 
derstanding so much improved and a judgment so 
correctly formed as the man who ministers in holy 
things. All this I know is but " corpus sine ani- 
mo" — a body without a soul — unless attended with 
vital piety and godliness. I hope, my brother, you 
and I may be so directed by the counsels of divine 
wisdom, that we may in some measure be useful 



96 MEMOIR OF 

here, and may finally shine as stars of some magni- 
tude in the kingdom of the Redeemer." 



CHAPTER VII 



Goes to Cazenovia— incidents-centers the Semina* 
nary — Oration — Mental degression. 

His friend Mr. Caldwell had entered Amherst 
College and was very anxious that his former chum 
should join him there. To this arrangement Mr. 
Hurd, too, was strongly inclined. But the distance 
and expense, were great obstacles; and in addition 
to these considerations, as he preferred the Metho- 
dist Church from principle, he thought it best to 
maintain as close an intercourse as possible with 
that body. For these reasons he selected the Onei- 
da Conference Seminary, located at Cazenovia, N. 
Y. intending, having qualified himself there, to en- 
ter the Wesleyan University at Middletown, Con- 
necticut. His illness had already detained him 
longer at home than he intended. But having at 
length sufficiently recovered, he set off with the 



A. H. HURD, 97 

scanty fund in his pocket which remained from the 
profits of his winter's school in Whitby. He went 
by way of Rochester, N. Y. in order to visit an un- 
cle from whom he expected an addition to his finan- 
ces. But when he arrived there, to use his own 
phrase, " I found that I had left home with my fin- 
gers in my mouth. No uncle L. was there !" He 
had removed to Albany. " My disappointment/ 1 
he continues, " was great. Had not shame pre- 
vented, I do not know but I should have returned/ 7 
However, summoning courage he resolved to per- 
severe. He arrived at Syracuse on Sabbath morn- 
ing, and went to church, though with a severe head 
ache. While the^e his illness increased: he be- 
gan to perspire profusely, to tremble, and finally to 
become faint. Expecting to swoon, he left the 
church, and scarcely able to stand, went reeling 
through the streets to his hotel. He got quickly to 
bed, rolled himself in blankets, took hot drinks, in 
an hour or two broke out into a copious perspira- 
tion and was relieved. It seems to have been a 
slight attack of Cholera. But nothing daunted, as 
soon as he was able he pursued his way, and with 
a purse sadly out of order, but with an unbroken 
spirit he arrived at Cazenovia. Here he entered 
the Seminary, and set himself earnestly about his 
favorite employments. 

A friend who was then a teacher in the Semina- 



98 MEMOIR OF 

ry, but is now a professor in the Wesleyan Univer- 
sity, has kindly favored us with some particulars 
relative to this period of Mr. Hurd's history. 

Mr. Hurd arrived at Cazenovia a perfect stran- 
ger. He knew no one there, and his name had ne- 
ver been heard among them. From what has been 
already said, the reader will imagine that he was in 
no very favorable plight for exciting any peculiar 
interest. Naturally modest, distrustful of himself, 
with none of the symbols of wealth to fix the eye, 
nor the charms of elegance to attract attention, weak- 
ly, wan, and careworn, it was no wonder that he 
should be passed by unnoticed by the casual obser- 
ver. In fact he excited no interest. When he applied 
for admission into his boarding house he came near 
being refused by the boarders on the ground that it 
was rather crowded. Altogether his reception was 
cold and cheerless. But they knew not what a soul 
was hid under that unpromising exterior, nor did 
they consider that earth's choicest gems are reluc- 
tant to expose themselves to human gaze. How- 
ever, this is not the only time that unobtrusive 
worth has been confounded with meanness of spirit 
and inferiority of character, 

But it soon began to be apparent that the Semi- 
nary had received a star that was destined to out- 
shine his compeers. He immediately commenced 
recitations in the languages and geometry, and per- 



A. H. HURI>. 99 

formed the usual exercises in declamation and com- 
position. Geometry he was soon obliged, on ac- 
count of his health, to intermit ; but not until he 
had convinced his teacher that he was a young 
man of no common powers. In the department of 
languages his reputation began to rise rapidly. He 
was spoken of as a brilliant scholar — as a young 
man of uncommon talents as well as piety. But 
in declamation and composition he speedily gained 
a standing unrivalled. It was customary for the 
older students, to read their pieces after evening 
prayers — two, namely, each evening — and also at 
the public exercises on Saturday forenoon. A few 
performances from Mr. Hurd were sufficient to es- 
tablish his character and to induce his fellow-stu- 
dents to award to him the palm ; so that whenever 
he was to come upon the stage, there was a gene- 
ral expectation of a " treat." Thus, mind, like wa- 
ter, may be obstructed for a season ; but sooner or 
later it is sure to find its level. 

But he was soon to become known in another 
capacity. Owing to the coldness of his reception, 
and his own modesty, joined to that high-minded 
consciousness of mental power which disdains to 
solicit favorable regards, it was not yet discovered 
that Mr. Hurd was a preacher. Some weeks after 
he had been at the Seminary, another of the stu- 
dents who was also licensed to preach, invited him 



100 MEMOIR OF 

one Sabbath to accompany him to an appointment. 
Mr. Hurd consented and accordingly they set off. 
During the walk of about four miles, his compa- 
nion asked the stranger " if he ever preached," and 
on receiving an answer that he " did sometimes," 
invited him to occupy the pulpit a part of the day. 
Ever ready to do good, Mr. H. accepted the invita- 
tion, though he had entertained no previous thought 
of such a thing. It so happened that several of the 
students of the Seminary were there. They were 
surprised to see the modest stranger in the pulpit ; 
and expected but indifferent entertainment. How 
great, then, was their astonishment to hear him de- 
liver a discourse that, for ability, would have done 
honor to a much older head, and an eloquence 
which the spirit of Christianity can alone produce ! 

As an evidence of the estimation in which our 
departed friend was now held, we may mention, 
that when, in the month of July, the principal, Mr. 
Larrabee, was called away for some weeks on a 
visit to his friends, he appointed Mr. Hurd to hear 
several of the classes ; — a duty which he performed 
with great satisfaction to all parties. 

The term closed about the 25th of September as 
usual with an examination and exhibition. As 
Mr. H. was now both teacher and pupil his duties 
of course were very laborious. Yet his classmates 
were not willing that he should be excused from 



A. H. HURD. 101 

taking his share, and even more than his share in 
the approaching exercises. They were very anx- 
ious to have an original colloquy, and Mr. Hurd 
was urged to undertake the authorship. He did so, 
and it drew from the audience great applause. The 
theme was Phrenology. His design was to turn 
the subject into ridicule, a design which the piece 
was well qualified to accomplish. For to the 
amount of broad caricature usual on such occasions, 
there was a considerable spice of true Attic wit and 
biting sarcasm. The scanty fragments of it how- 
ever which have come into our hands, would not 
present the reader with a fair exhibition of its me- 
rits. 

Besides the Colloquy, he wrote, according to 
previous appointment, and delivered an Oration. 
His theme was, " Genius the Fruit of Industry." 
As it affords a fair illustration of his mental charac- 
ter at this time, and is written with a good deal of 
force and eloquence, we think the reader will be 
gratified by an extract. 

After observing that nature only furnishes the 
materials, but that art and industry must call them 
forth and give them direction and efficiency, he pro- 
ceeds, 

" But let us turn to those who stand confessed the 

world's superiors. Did their genius blaze forth 

spontaneously'? Did they, Minerva like, spring 
11 



102 MEMOIR OF 

forth entire the illustrious offspring of Jupiter's cra- 
nium 1 Did some mysterious power place them on 
the heights of Parnassus, and wreath their brows 
with unfading laurel ? Had they some magic skill 
which converted every thing into precious metal, 
enriched their own minds, and rendered them the 
pride of their country and the glory of the world? 
They had : and that skill was, well directed, never 
ceasing industry. They are all men of art. Many 
of them exhibited no peculiar talent in the morning 
of life ; nay, many of them were stupidly dull. De- 
mosthenes did not at once became the controller of 
Greece by his eloquence ! The spark of genius 
which rendered Clarke the first scholar of his time, 
was not emitted until vexation and chagrin had 
aroused his Irish mind to a determination never to 
be surpassed. Perhaps no youth of modern times 
has excelled Henry Kirk White. Whence pro- 
ceeded his admired genius? The winds that sigh 
around his untimely grave tell whence. Yes, the 
lamented and revered White fell a victim at the 
shrine of midnight application. I need not men- 
tion Summerfleld, the eloquent pulpit orator,and the 
devoted servant of the Cross ; nor Pollok who from 
the fount of life poured melody, and beauty poured 
and love in holy streams into the human heart. Their 
names, their lives, their premature death are written 
indelibly on your hearts. And while their memo- 



A. Ii. HURD. 103 

ry endures let it never be forgotten that the path to 
glory is the path of diligence. There is no other. 
The man of genius must toil while others rest; 
must study while they sleep, must meditate while 
they dream." 

The winter of 1834-5 was rendered remarkable 
in Cazenovia Seminary by a delightful religious in- 
fluence. It was thought important, so general was 
the interest felt, to use unusual methods to foster the 
impression. For this purpose meetings for prayer 
and religious inquiry were held daily; and as the 
Principal and officers of the school were occupied 
with their duties, the charge of these meetings was 
committed to Mr. Hurd. Consequently he suspen- 
ded his studies for several days and gave himself up 
entirely to the cause of the Savior. He was made 
remarkably useful; the meetings were conducted 
with great propriety, and his conduct was univer- 
sally approved. His labors, however, were too 
great for his feeble constitution. His health was 
impaired; and when he returned to his studies, he 
was able to do little more than prepare his oration 
for the coming exhibition in April. 

We have already noticed Mr. Hurd's modesty 
and self-distrust ; his vividness of imagination and 
acuteness of sensibility. His moral emotions were 
not less strong, than his intellectual operations. 
Susceptible of powerful mental excitement, he was 



104 MEMOIR OF 

capable of feeling as well as imparting a high de- 
gree of enjoyment. By an inalienable law of our 
nature such a temperament is liable to great rever- 
ses. As the ebb-tide succeeds the flood, and the 
calm a storm, so naturally a depression of feeling 
follows a high degree of exhiliration. The bene- 
volence and wisdom of our Creator in such a pro- 
vision need hardly be pointed out. As the bow al- 
ways bent would lose its elasticity so the mind in a 
state of constant tension would rapidly exhaust its 
own powers. In the stagnation which follows a 
season of high wrought emotion, the heart and mind 
are rallying their forces— are recruiting their ener- 
gies for another effort. Moreover to most chris- 
tians such moments of despondency are essential to 
accurate self-knowledge. We are all apt to notice 
in ourselves only what accords with our present 
tone of feeling. If the mind were always in a state 
of hilarity we should discern only our more pleas- 
ing qualities, and our faults and imperfections would 
escape detection; just as, in the sunlight, we over- 
look many little moats and specks, which are de- 
tected in the shade. Seasons of depression, there- 
fore, tend to self-knowledge, and are often requisite 
to christian character. " Now if need be," said an 
Apostle, " ye are in heaviness through manifold 
temptations." 

To these alternations of feeling our friend was 



A. H, HURD. 105 

remarkably subject. During his residence at Ca- 
zenovia, he had charge of a religious class which 
he regularly attended once a week, besides always 
preaching somewhere in the neighborhood on the 
Sabbath. After the excitement of these occasions 
he would frequently come home deeply depressed 
and dissatisfied with himself. His spirits seem- 
ed entirely exhausted, and his mind prostrated. The 
reaction had taken place. In his depression he 
would often say " I wish they would appoint some 
other person class leader, I am not fit to lead a class. 
I am sure my remarks do more harm than good !" 
At other times after preaching he would say he 
" was almost resolved never to go into the pulpit 
again." And yet both in the one case and the 
other, his labors were highly appreciated, and he 
was made an instrument of good to many. Yet 
these seasons of depression were brief, and on pass- 
ing away, left him in a calm and cheerful frame. 
They were no doubt owing in part to his physical 
constitution, always too frail an instrument for the 
purposes of its spiritual occupant. 

From the meteoric rapidity with which our 
friend shot up into notice after he emerged from ob- 
scurity, it might have been supposed, that like the 
meteor, he would have been as prompt to disappear. 
Such, however, was far from being the case. His 

was rather the mild but beauteous splendor of the 
11* 



106 MEMOIR OF 

morning star, which shines even in the gloom of 
night, and retains its lustre until swallowed up in 
theo'erwhelming brightness of the king of day. He 
rose rapidly indeed to the zenith in the orbit in 
which he moved ; but sustained himself at the very 
culminating point until he was hid from mortal 
view in the purer regions of immortality. Both at 
Cazenovia and in College, he was regarded as a 
scholar of the first standing, and he effectually 
retained his ground to the very last. But of this 
we shall see more hereafter. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

Letters — to his father — his brother — and Mr. 
Caldwell. 

We have gone on considerably in advance of 
Mr. Hurd's correspondence in order not to interrupt 
the continuity of the narrative and break the chain 
of thought pertaining to it. We shall now turn 
back to introduce some important and interesting 
letters. His correspondence is very ample, and all 
his letters during this period, involve so much that 
is interesting, that we find some difficulty in making 



A. H. HURD. 107 

a selection. We insert such as are most unlike 
each other in order to exhibit his variety of thought, 
and omit such as are chiefly of a private or local 
nature. We trust the selections we make will 
prove acceptable to the reader. 

The following is addressed to his father. The 
revival which he mentions is one that occurred in 
the school previously to that noticed above. 

Cazenovia Seminary, July 3d, 1834. 
Dear Father, 

Yours of the 16th June has just come to 
hand. I was glad to hear from you. Glad? I 
was almost in a transport of joy; for I had been 
looking and waiting with no small degree of solici- 
tude for some information from home. But not- 
withstanding my solicitude, I felt no real anxiety, 
for I was perfectly sure that it would come at the 
proper time. My health is very much improved. 
For I have not studied much and have exercised 
pretty freely. I have been engaged together with 
several brethren in the seminary in a revival of re- 
ligion which is going on here. This I think has 
been an advantage to my health, as I have paid no 
attention whatever to study; and have generally 
endeavored to be prudent in the exercises in which 
we have been engaged. A glorious work has been 
accomplished ; many of our fellow students have 



108 MEMOIR PF 

been hopefully brought to the Savior. It is still 
going on. Every day witnesses the conversion of 
more or less. O, what a blessing this institution is 
to the world ! How many come here to acquire 
knowledge, and gain that heavenly wisdom which 
alone is able to save their souls ! How many flam- 
ing heralds of the cross are sent forth from this 
place, from year to year ! I pray that the sacred 
flame may continue to spread, until the world shall 
be converted, and every knee shall bow to. God, and 
every tongue speak forth his praise ! If the mem- 
bers of the church were awake, the cause would 
prosper. But cold, lifeless members are worse 
than nobody. Even in this revival we have spent 
about half the time in praying for such. And it 
has had a good effect. But the fact is, we are none 
of us half awake, even with regard to the lawful 
avocations of life. I am sensible that I have been 
slumbering even when I thought I was most vigi- 
lant. I am resolved to make one effort to wake up, 
and not only so, but to keep awake ; and then I am 
sure I can do as much in two days as I have usual- 
ly done in three, even in my studies. O, that the 
Lord might arouse us all, that we may work while 
the day lasts ! Time is on the wing ; our days flee like 
a shadow ; the grave is open before us ; Eternity is 
at hand ; Heaven invites us all ; all cry out to us to 
be up and doing. And can we, shall we slumber 



A. H. HURD. 109 

on till the night of death with all its terrors shall 
come upon us, and we fall into the grave? 

On Monday I expect to commence my studies, 
and if health permit shall make a business of it, I 
have had some thoughts of going this summer to 
the Wesleyan University; but have about made up 
my mind to stay here, probably for a year, life and 
health permitting. 

The students at present are making great prepa- 
rations for the celebration of to-morrow. Oh! 
what a spirit of independence is manifested ! How 
proud they feel of their liberties ! How they glory 
in recounting the virtues of their fathers ! But all 
this is no doubt calculated to do some good if pro- 
perly regulated, and not carried to excess. I sup- 
pose some of them think it quite a favor that we 
poor Canadians are permitted to inhale the air un- 
tainted by the breath of tyrants. But they forget 
that the British soil is as emphatically free as their 
own, and in some respects more so. 

I find the people here generous hearted and 
friendly ; but I do not think I shall ever feel so 
much at home as I did at Potsdam. I do delight 
to live w T here I can feel myself at home. Home is 
so agreeable a place that any thing which resem- 
bles it, or which causes the same feelings in the 
mind, is at times inexpressibly pleasant. O, how 
often is my mind directed to that sacred social fire- 



110 MEMOIR OF 

side ! and how strongly do my inclinations urg*e 
me to return thither ! But then again I remember 
that those halcyon moments have fled away, and it 
is useless to think of their return. The days of my 
childhood have passed ; my juvenile comforts have 
fled; the early connexions which I fcrmed, are, in 
a measure dissolved; my youthful companions are 
settled in life; a new race of inhabitants is fast fill- 
ing up the forest through which I wandered with so 
much delight. Some of my kindest and most affec- 
tionate friends are no more ; others are hastening to 
the silent tomb : and Oh ! when \ think on all the 
changes that have transpired, my heart melts with- 
in me. I feel every tender fibre of my soul to be 
moved. I feel indeed that I am a stranger and a 
pilgrim in the earth ; for should I live a few years 
I shall be a stranger in my Father's own neigh- 
borhood. But I feel no melancholy forebodings. 
O no ! I have the promise of God that his presence 
shall go with me, and he will give me rest. And 
more than this I have an unshaken confidence in 
my Redeemer that when my journey is finished be- 
low the sun, I shall receive a crown of life which 
fadeth not away — shall find a home eternal in the 
skies. 

But I have a word to say to my little brothers 
and sisters. If you ever expect any pleasure in the 
things of this world, try to enjoy it now while you 



A. II. 11URD. Hi 

surround the friendly hearth, and are blessed with 
a father's counsel and a mother's smile. Let per- 
fect love and unity prevail among you. Strive by 
every means in your power to make each other 
happy. Let kindness always dwell in your hearts ; 
let it be seen in your looks ; let it be heard in the 
tones of your voice : let it be displayed in your ac- 
tions. Then will you in future life look back upon 
those scenes with thrilling pleasure, perhaps when 
you are far separated from each other. But should 
you neglect this, you will not only embitter your 
joys now, but the thoughts of it in future life, will 
pierce your souls with pungent grief— perhaps 
when you are separated or when some of your num- 
ber may be laid in the silent grave. O, then, be 
kind and affectionate ! Love one another and you 
may enjoy a paradise below. Oh ! how often I 
reflect on the happy moments I and my ever kind 
and affectionate brother spent together when we 
were little boys. We indeed bore each other's bur- 
dens; or rather he bore both mine and his. Now 
Prosper, and William, I hope you will do the same. 
I need not say this to Emma and Emmeline ; for 
they surely cannot but love each other dearly. But 
further, I want they should remember not only to do 
whatever their parents bid them, but to do it cheer- 
fully. Never let a murmur escape their lips. Ne- 
ver let them even think any thing a hardship 



112 MEMOIR OF 

which they are required to do. Oh ! what a plea- 
sure it will afford them in after life to remember 
that they have always obeyed their parents. If they 
live thus they will be happy — happier now than the 
world can ever make them hereafter." 

To his brother, Mr. Philander Hurd, he writes 
thus. 

Cazenovia Seminary, Sept. 21 r 1834, 
My dear Brother, 

I have time to write but a few lines although 
I feel disposed to write much. I have delayedwri- 
ting until this time, because I have been driven 
every moment, and even now I am obliged to write 
without reflection whatever may be suggested upon 
a moment's relief from uproar and confusion. Yes- 
terday our examination closed, and the students are 
so many of them leaving that I have scarcely any 
time but to bid farewell. Ah! what a transient 
and inconstant state is this ! We form attachments 
but to cause our hearts to bleed at parting. But, 
my brother, the christian's hope reaches beyond the 
grave, and however poignant the anguish of part- 
ing yet the anticipation of that joyful meeting above, 
assuages his grief and affords a joy the world can 
never appreciate. 

Our exhibition has been splendid. There were 



A. H. HUKD. 113 

between forty and fifty original pieces, some of 
which were certainly very grand. People need 
not tell me that there are no material advantages 
derived from attending such an institution of learn- 
ing. I am more fully convinced of the importance 
of a good education to prepare a man for the minis- 
try than I was when I came hither. And when 
they will shew me any young man who has not 
enjoyed the means of an education that will com- 
pose and deliver such a piece as some of the stu- 
dent's pieces were, then I shall be inclined to think 
with them that there is no special advantage in a 
classical education. But not only so, I am persua- 
ded that I can do as much good, and perhaps more, 
in two or three years in a literary institution of this 
kind than if I were to go out into a wider field. I 
have great reason to be thankful to a good Provi- 
dence which has blessed me w T ith almost unusual 
good health during the past term ; and although I 
have not accomplished ail that I could desire, yet I 
have no reason to complain. I have earned two 
dolllars a week, and taken along three studies, be- 
sides writing composition once in two weeks, also 
writing my oration for the exhibition and a phreno- 
logical dialogue for the same. I am now in pretty 
good spirits, and feel quite encouraged to hope that 
in spite of all the predictions to the contrary I shah 
be able to go through my studies without injuring 
12 



114 MEMOIR OF 

my constitution. However this may be, I leave ail 
things in the hands of a wise and well directing' 
Providence." 

From the tenor of our 'remarks, and the general 
style of Mr. Hurd's letters, we are apprehensive 
that the reader may deem his piety somewhat aus- 
tere and gloomy. To correct such an impression 
we insert the following to his good friend Caldwell, 
then a member of the Sophomore class in Amherst 
College, It was written while on a visit to his re- 
lations in the neighborhood of his birthplace. 

Hoosick, SepCr. 27, 1834. 
Dear Caldwell, 

Judging from my own feelings, I expect a 
line from your Potsdam chum is always accepta- 
ble, although perchance there may not be quite so 
much of Hurd in it as of Caldwell in yours: for 
originality appears to be your peculiar talent; a 
talent, by the bye, rarely to be found in modern 
times. 

Your last epistle excited in my mind peculiar 
emotions. At one moment while reading it, my 
risible muscles were so violently agitated that a by- 
stander might have imagined them under the infln- 
ence of a galvanic battery. At another, I could 
not but lament that your transition into the regions 



A. H. HURD. 115 

of Sophomore should have placed you so complete- 
ly beyond the power of gravity, as to derange and 
scatter all your rational conceptions ! And I could 
not but exclaim, Sic transit gloria isdorum ! But 
I hope, dear chum, that the eminence which at first 
turned your brain a little, may hereafter afford you 
a clearer atmosphere, a more extended prospect, 
and a climate more congenial to the development 
of your genius, than the regions of " sneaking and 
ducking" whence you have emerged. 

But to return to the object of this scrawl We 
had a splendid exhibition for two evenings and one 
afternoon: upwards of forty original pieces; some 
of them very good ; and some of them, by the way, 
resembled, in some respects, the picture described 
by Horace in the beginning of his " Ars Poetical 
On the whole I am told it exceeded any former one. 
I would gladly send you an order of the exercises, 
but I forgot to bring one with me. I may do it 
hereafter. Hurd's piece was an " Oration:" but 
you know that it is a favorite doctrine of the day 
that nothing is to be known from the name. The 
subject was Genius the Fruit of Industry. From 
this you will perceive that I have abandoned my 
former theory of innate genius." 

The following will be found interesting on seve- 
ral accounts. It exhibits a buovancv of mind that 



116 MEMOIR OF 

nothing could sink : an energy of character, that 
no difficulties could subdue : and a piety at once 
earnest and cheerful. It may serve too, to correct 
an impression some persons like to entertain that 
an academic life is one of easy indolence, and ener- 
vating repose. If some of those good people who 
think the student a mere literary fop, sent to col- 
lege only to learn the airs of a coxcomb, and ac- 
quire a fund of small talk to entertain some novel 
reading miss, had chanced to look in upon the do- 
micile of our departed friend, he would have rub- 
bed his eyes and stared around him to convince 
himself that it was not a dream. It is addressed to 
his parents and dated Cazenovia Seminary, Janua- 
ry 17, 1835. He commences with his usual ex- 
pressions of filial affection, and tender remembran- 
ces of home, and with great piety speaks of his 
purposes and efforts to be useful. He then pro- 
ceeds, 

" I am as usual deeply absorbed in study. I 
have six different branches on hand besides all my 
miscellaneous reading, writing, declamation, &c. ; 
about as much as two persons ought to take; 
but I am something like the man that wanted 
all the land that joined him. Thus far the winter 
has passed away very pleasantly. My health is 
pretty good. I board myself, have a retired room, 



A. H. HURD. 117 

a good chum, and live as happily as could be look- 
ed for in this world. We live very frugally. Our 
bread is made of flour unbolted ; so although we 
have no pigs to feed yet nothing is wasted. We 
bake our Indian cakes and potatoes ; and so although 
we are economical, we indulge in an agreeable va~ 
riety: and like true philosophers of nature, with 
the other delicacies that spread our table, we take 
the unadulterated stream pure as it flowed in Eden's 
cooling shade. You perhaps may smile at our 
simplicity, but be assured we are learning many a 
lesson of practical economy : and what is more we 
are learning something of housewifery ; a very im- 
portant science in domestic life. He is but a poor 
scholar who learns nothing but his book. It is a 
well known maxim that a great scholar must be a 
general one; i. e. he must know how to make his 
own tent, cook his own dinner, &c. I have long 
since learned that these pretty looking, lady-finger- 
ed gentlemen who are frightened at the rattling of a 
frying pan, and would scarcely hazard an attack 
upon a roasted potatoe, are not the men to stand in 
the war of elements, and who are calculated to fight 
the great moral battles of the world. No ! "While 
we leave these hot-house men to consume the lux- 
uries of life, and to wait upon the ladies, the only 
thing for which they seem to be qualified ; we must 

look to another source for men who fear neither 
12* 



118 MEMOIR OF 

storm nor tempest, but who by the mere force of 
their intellect seem to subject the mental and moral 
world to their sway." 

Perhaps we ought to ask the intelligent reader's 
indulgence for the closing part of the above extract^ 
which appears to savor rather of contraction of 
mind. But the whole is evidently no more than a 
little ebullition of pleasantry. Yet if it should be 
thought otherwise, it will be remembered that the 
writer had as yet comparatively little knowledge of 
the world; and it is not surprising if he did not 
know exactly what allowance to make for the in- 
fluence of early habit and association. A very 
slight knowledge of human nature is sufficient to 
demonstrate that from men's physical habits or con- 
ventional manners, no certain conclusion can be 
drawn as to their intellectual or moral worth. Pla- 
to and Aristotle, would, by many, have been called 
exquisites ; Longinus was a splendid courtier ; and 
the great lord Bacon, the father of modern philoso- 
phy, was a minute observer of all the little etiquette 
of polished life. Yet were they as talented and, in 
their way, as efficient men as Diogenes in his tub, 
Julian with his " populous beard," or even the 
" royal hog" of Sweden. The same is true also in 
the church. It is piquantly remarked by some 
one that while the homely Rogers clad in frieze 



A. H. HURD. 119 

trudged the streets of London on foot with his Bi- 
ble under his arm, the courtly Latimer rode in his 
coach and enforced scripture truth on the conscien- 
ces of the king and his nobles arrayed in lawn and 
ermine. Yet both burnt at the stake and alike glo- 
rified the truth of Christianity. They moved in 
different orbits, but came to the same end at last. 
The sectional prejudices of society, therefore, are 
idle, and withal mischievous. But they are spots 
and blemishes of the mind soon erased by a more 
extensive knowledge of mankind. 

Mr. Hurd wrote a very long letter to his father 
under date of March 27th, 1835, just at the close of 
the winter term. We select from it the following 
passages which we commend especially to such as 
feel an interest in the young. 

"How do the little people in Reach get on? 
Have they a good instructor ? Are they making 
advancement in science and learning? Do they 
still retain somewhat of that ambitious spirit which 
Mr. C. infused into their minds ? Are they endea- 
voring to excel each other in every thing that is 
amiable and excellent ? Let them depend on it, 
much of their future progress depends on the im- 
provement of the present time. I expect little prat- 
tling Emma is becoming more and more lovely 
every day ; and I hope ere long she may be able to 



120 MEMOIR OF 

pour forth the treasures of her mind in numbers 
sweet as Sappho sung; and that Emmeline will 
add to the sweetness of her disposition, and the love- 
liness of her person, all the charms of a well im- 
proved taste, and richly cultivated mind. And what 
shall I say of the " black-eyed" Cynthia; the meek, 
retiring Mary; the rosy-cheeked Jerusha, and that 
loquacious but amiable little " Yankee girl, 5 ' all of 
whom were as beautiful as the blushing rose ? I 
hope they are all striving to imitate every thing 
that is virtuous and excellent, and when I come I 
hope to find them all surpassing my fondest expec- 
tations. I have not time to mention all the little 
gentlemen of the place : such as James, who I hope 
will yet be the first lawyer in the province; or Aa- 
ron, who may if he will be Speaker of the house 
of Parliament ; or Prosper, William, Daniel, John, 
Eenjamin, &c. &c. ; all of whom may shine in the 
pulpit, or at the bar, or in the medical profession. 
Yes, my young friend, Dr. Clarke, Franklin and 
Brougham were once inferior to any of you. Be 
resolute about it. Let nothing discourage you. If 
you wish to be farmers, be farmers ; but dont bury 
the talent that Heaven has given you. Read the 
parliamentary debates; see who make the best 
speeches ; then meet together, start a dispute among 
yourselves and speechify on it. Try again and 
again. Go out and talk to the woods and forests. 



A. H. HURD. 121 

When you are engaged in work get some subject 
in your mind and think about it. Then attempt 
when you have leisure to write something on it. 
Try every means you can. Improve your minds. 
Improve your manners. Improve your voices. 
Now my young friends, if you take my advice, 
there is no mistake but you will make a stir in the 
world. 

I have consumed too much time on this subject. 
Pray how does religion prosper there ? I have not 
heard whether you are rent in sunder by divisions 
yet or not. I hope you are holding fast your pro- 
fession, and striving to grow in grace, to glorify 
God, and to secure the salvation of your souls. O, 
may Heaven mercifully keep us all humble, holy, 
useful christians: and at last through mercy, may 
we meet in Heaven. 

I have but a few words more to add at present. 
I am very much attached to this school and can 
speak highly in its favor. The Teachers are very 
excellent, and, as far as my humble abilities can 
judge, very competent men. The former Princi- 
pal, a man justly loved and esteemed by all who 
know his worth, leaves the school now ; but his 
place will be as well supplied as can well be. The 
person who succeeds is well known and highly es- 
teemed here. I do not think if I may judge from 
what I have seen and heard that the school was 



122 MEMOIR OF 

ever more flourishing or more worthy of patron- 
age. Our late exhibition was of a character to do 
honor to any school. I have found many warm 
friends, the remembrance of whose kindness time 
can never efface from my heart." 



CHAPTER IX. 



Letters — to Mr. Allen — and to Rev. Charles 
Bragden. 

Those who can appreciate the peculiar beauties 
of the epistolary style will require no apology for 
the insertion of the following. It is easy without 
incorrectness, familiar without coarseness, and evin- 
ces learning as well as talent without elaborateness. 
Mrs. Fanny Kemble Butler might learn from it 
that there are things in which she might be correct- 
ed by an American sciolist, of greater importance 
to the real dignity of the human character, than the 
use of silver forks, finger glasses after dinner, for the 
absence of which she so reproaches a family whose 
hospitalities she saw fit to accept. 



A. H. Hl/RD. 123 

Reach, U. C. July 10, 1835. 
Mr. A. 

It was about 9 o'clock, a week ago last Mon- 
day evening, as you know, when I reluctantly 
egressed from the No 3, Ladies' department. Well, 
in about 20 minutes after, the horn sounded our 
departure from Cazenovia — that place dear to me- 
mory, the abode of every thing kind, generous, and 
virtuous. The scene that now took place I shall 
leave for your own imagination to describe. I have 
no inclination to attempt a description myself. 
There was a large number assembled to bid us 
farewell, and to me they never before had appear- 
ed so interesting. Every eye seemed to sparkle 
with friendship, every cheek to blush with the 
crimson of the rose, and a mingled smile and tear 
which was seen in every countenance bespoke the 
generous feelings which glowed in their youthful, 
aspiring, but sympathetic bosoms. I was much af- 
fected. Miss M. I presume was doubly so. She 
was to return no more. It was, to her, the last em- 
brace. No more was she to view the visible soul, 
in the speaking countenance. And Friend Allen, 
this " black and white" way of doing business, is 
but a miserable substitute for the " collocutio cum 
viva voce." — Soon we were wheeled off — and dark- 
ness forbade us to cast a wishful look behind. As 
all was silence in the coach I fell into a musing, 



124 MEMOIR OF 

melancholy train of reflection which for a time ab- 
sorbed my whole soul. But a dashing of rain, a 
fierce gale of wind, and the sudden extinguishment 
of the " coach lamps," again brought me back to 
real life, and made me sensible that I was no longer 
safe sheltered within the seminary walls. Then 
conversation commenced. Among other topics was 
that of religion. As one of the passengers happen- 
ed to be a believer in the non-responsibility and 
ndn-punishability of man, he forthwith assumed a 
posture of hostility. This awakened my combat- 
iveness. A collision ensued. The gentleman's 
argument was of two kinds, confirmative and refu- 
tative ! He laid down his propositions on the foun- 
dation-rock — " I believe." And with this same 
short but invincible argument he entrenched it on 
all sides, and built around it a rampart impenetra- 
ble by all the subtlety of Aristotle. I then cast 
about for materials to erect a battery against this for- 
midable breastwork ; but when I had rallied, as far 
as I was able, Scripture, reason, logic, and common 
sense, and brought them all to the attack, still I 
found that his work stood entire — a unit that no 
skill could divide — a compacted argument that bid 
defiance to all the categorical, analogical, synthe- 
tical, analytical and dialemical arguments that 
were ever conceived. " / believe" was the foun- 
dation, " I believe" the propugnaculum, and / be- 



A. H. HUKD. 125 

lieve, parried off every thrust made at his system. 
Look at this argument. Why, I would almost de- 
fy your logical self to find a flaw in it. Analyze 
it. Why it is enough of its simple self to establish 
any principle beyond the possibility of refutation. 
Well — this was the " confirmative 11 — The •' refu. 
tative" was " I dont believe," &c. and with this 
sweeping, annihilating principle he blew into non- 
existence, at a single breath, every argument I 
could advance. And I dont know but he would 
have served an Aristotle just so. But what could 
I do ? I'll tell you, sir. I took up his own wea- 
pons. And when Greek meets Greek, then, you 
know, comes the tug of war I Whenever he forti- 
fied himself with " 1" believe" I hurled back at 
him — " I dont believe," and vice-versa. This puz- 
zled the man and so unreasoned his reason, as to 
turn his air-built castles " inverso or dine" -*-&&& 
leave him shipwrecked at the mercy of his antago- 
nist. The dispute had this good effect; it kept us 
awake and prevented us from breaking our necks 
over the rough roads; a very unusual good to 
arise from controversy. Next morning we took 
breakfast with a very polite company of gentlemen 
and ladies from New York. Then set out by stage 
for Buffalo. From Syracuse we found the roads 
most intolerable, and the country around cold, 

swampy, and uninviting, till we came to Auburn 
13 



126 MEMOIR OF 

where we arrived about one o'clock, P. M. Here 
we were detained several hours, although they had 
assured us at Syracuse that we would go directly 
on to Buffalo. Visited the Theological Seminary 
— a pleasantly situated Institution. Took a view 
of the State's Prison — a gloomy and revolting 
sight to a virtuous and independent mind. I could 
not but be reminded of the Inquisition, the Bastile, 
the Prison of Chillon and these dark dens of cruel- 
ty and oppression, as I looked at the frowning walls, 
the unfortunate beings within them, the gates of 
iron, and the huge keys that bolt and unbolt those 
doors. We saw Mr. Becker and Peck and enjoy- 
ed a pleasant time with them. We were also high- 
ly entertained with Mrs. Butler's work on Ameri- 
cans. Ah! What modesty! What purity of sen- 
timent ! What elegance of diction ! What gratitude 
for favors! What chastity of taste ! I wish I had 
time to give some extracts from memory. Such as 
these. " I waked very grumpily /" " I dawdled 
about all the morning !" " I gulp 'd /" " I looked 
very nice !" "I appeared very beautiful I" Then 
follows a train of abusive epithets, accompanied, 
perchance, with a few small oaths that would make 
a Yankee stare, applied to the Americans who 
aa ere so " stupid," and " brutish" as not to perceive 
her " nicety" and " beauty." She talks of " knock- 
ing men down" as if it were a fine accomplishment 



A. H. HURD. 127 

for a young lady. Indeed, I can give no idea of 
the beauties of the work unless you have read it. 
Let me give one short extract more — a parody. 
" To bed — to sleep — To sleep? Perchance to be 
bitten ! Aye ! there's the scratch /" and so on. 
But get it and read it. Do. Little before sun- 
down we set off from Auburn in a swift coach and 
were wheeled rapidly on through as lovely a coun- 
try as I ever cast my eyes upon. A dark, rich, 
mellow looking soil; a smooth, level face of land; 
and the dense, sturdy forests which bordered the 
fertile fields, remind me of the western parts of Up- 
per Canada! Don't smile at the mention of Ca- 
nada. And don't call this remark a " disgrace to 
the national honor" of Americans. 

As night came on, I began to feel the want of 
sleep. But Miss M. with a flow of spirits almost 
unusual with her " cheerful self," chased away the 
drowsy powers of weary nature, and kept us not 
only in real existence during the night but almost 
in a state of hilarity. However, just at day -break, 
at Canandaigua, while the coachmen were chang- 
ing horses, even she, like the unfortunate Palinu- 
rus, fell asleep, and almost dashed her brains out 
on the landlord's carpet ! Poor girl ! I was fright- 
ened. I did not know but she had killed herself. 
Pray dont mention this for the world, out of No. 3. 
I. have not had time to mention the events of that 



128 MEMOIR OF 

day, Wednesday. The country through which we 
passed was generally delightful. Leroy is a beau- 
tiful village. Lima Seminary stands on a com- 
manding eminence, and enjoys an extensive and 
interesting prospect. This day, in spite of all my 
efforts, in spite of all the novel and beautiful scenes 
with which I was surrounded, I would find my bo- 
dy leaning in an angle of about 45 deg. with the 
horizon, and my head just passing through the 
" descending node," when a violent jolting of the 
coach would suddenly bring me up to look about, 
and calculate my " right ascension." Whenever I 
fell into these moods, w T hich was pretty often, I was 
dreaming of Cazenovia, and indeed I enjoyed many 
a pleasant hour there in a few minutes that day. 
Things went on very pleasantly only I had to quar- 
rel with a. fellow (I dont say gentleman) for smok- 
ing in the coach. What can be more disgusting 
than to see a piece of flesh in human shape, enter- 
ing a coach and puffing his loathsome and narcotic 
fumes in the face of ladies and decent people ! About 
five miles out of Buffalo, a man opened the door and 
was about to enter, whose breath told uslhat he 
was a faithful devotee of Bacchus. The passengers 
refused him admittance. He went on the box. The 
stage drove on. In about a mile, he tumbled off 
on to the hard road ; and there he lay, dead — yes, 
dead — to all appearance. We got out ; tried to 



A. H. HURD. 129 

lift him up ; after a few minutes, he began to strug- 
gle and gasp as if in expiring agonies. Of all the 
sights 1 ever saw, that was the moit appalling. It 
is a fearful sight " to see the human soul take 
flight" In any mood — but oh! my soul shudders 
at the thought of leaping, mad with rum, into the 
awful abyss of Eternity! If there's a place on 
earth " where the worm dies not, and the fire is not 
quenched," it's the infernal distillery where the spi- 
ral worm oozes forth the liquid fire, day and night, 
which has consumed its millions of our species. 
We left the man there doubtless to die. 

We arrived in Buffalo about 9 o'clock in the 
evening; had a good night's rest. Next day, 
Thursday, spent in Buffalo. Viewed all the prin- 
cipal places. Found Mr. Adams, an old student, 
there; found also an Indian, an old friend from Ca- 
nada there. Buffalo is a pleasant and flourishing 
place. Next morning I took my leave of Miss M. 
rather reluctantly, for she is good company. She 
loaded me with compliments to Miss C. which I 
shall bring on in due time. I and the Indian, for I 
now had him for a companion, made our way across 
to Canada, down to the falls. It is certainly a sub- 
lime sight. I never was more sensible of the im- 
possibility of giving correct conceptions of nature's 
works, by mere language, than now. I would at- 
tempt to tell you how they appeared to me if I had 
13* 



130 MEMOIR OF 

room, but you see I have not. Well, here I left 
my cloak for the good of the public. I left my um- 
brella two days before. Sunday morning I was 
right in sight of Youngstown ; heard the firing of 
guns and participated partially in the rejoicings of 
the day, although in John Bull's country. I could 
almost see the flag floating over the Seminary, and 
almost witness the responses and applause while P. 
uttered forth in a firm, manly tone of voice, and 
with sterling good sense, the principles of Ameri- 
can Revolution, and made to pass before the mind 
all the wrongs, the struggles, the conflicts, and the 
triumphs of those perilous times ; and almost see 
the tear starting in the eye, and the bosom swelling 
with unutterable emotion, while B. in his unaffect- 
ed and graphic manner, with his melting tones of 
voice, portrayed in brilliant colors, with the most 
simple, artless, but at the same time, most finished 
and touching strains of eloquence, the progress and 
prosperity of American government and institu- 
tions, and the dangers by which they were now 
surrounded, and with which they were threatened 
to be overwhelmed. 

I arrived at Toronto about 5 o'clock, P. M. 
Found Mr. R's family well. The girls had been 
out to the grove or forest celebrating the 4th, I be- 
lieve. They are both genuine yankees. I had a 
happy visit. Spent the Sabbath here and Monday 



A. H. HURD. 131 

too. They want to return to Cazenovia very much. 
Possibly they may. Tuesday evening arrived at 
home. All is well at home. My reception wher- 
ever I have been known, is such as to give me most 
pleasurable feelings. Some receive me with swell- 
ing bosoms, and streaming eyes; others with a 
friendly grasp, and cheerful smile; and indeed all 
seem to feel some pleasure in my return. But I 
feel, still, that, however warm friends I may have 
here, I can't expect to enjoy their society much 
more. I now think that my field of labor will be 
somewhere on the other side of the Lake, though 
perhaps not. But mark, they call me a yankee 
here. As I was surveying old Fort George, a red 
coat came to me, challenged me for a yankee. I 
did not dispute him. He invited me to the guard 
house and then demanded money because I was a 
foreigner. So I gave him all the change I had. 
He then took me to view General Brock's tomb, 
then dismissed me civilly. I have not told you 
half. I have but just touched on any thing. Ex- 
cuse my brevity ! I'll try and do better next time. 
Respects to all. So good evening. 

A. H. Hurd. 

We close this period of Mr. Hurd's life with the 
following letter to the Rev. Charles P. Bragden, 
who had been a fellow student of Mr. Hurd's, but 



132 MEMOIR OF 

was at this time a member of the Oneida Confer- 
ence. It contains some important reflections which 
are worthy of consideration by all ; but especially 
by such as have in view the sacred office of the 
christian ministry. 

Dear Brother Bragden, 

The particular time at which your letter 
came to hand, together with the pleasing intelli- 
gence which it contained, contributed not a little to 
augment the happiness, of which your epistles are, 
and ever will be a prolific source. The time was 
in all respects, such as you were praying they 
might be ; times of wonderful displays of convict- 
ing, converting and sanctifying power. The work 
is not confined to the seminary, but has also spread 
in a measure to the village. Brother H. preaches 
to us frequently ; and he is indeed a u son of thun- 
der ;" one who wields mightily the sword of the 
Spirit, and fearlessly aims the polished shafts of di- 
vine truth at the heart of the impenitent and unbe- 
lieving. Would that the Lord might send forth 
more such men to attack the strong holds of skep- 
ticism and infidelity, and to pour forth the terrors 
of God's law, and the fearful denunciations of his 
anger against the profligate and hardened offend- 
er ! It appears to me, brother, that too many of our 
preachers soften down the truth of God's word ; or 



A. H. HURD. 133 

at least that they do not bring that truth home to the 
consciences of their hearers as they ought. Am I 
right? Ought not every hearer to be made to feel 
that the preacher has a message from God to him ? 
I hope, my dear brother, that a desire for popular 
favor may never induce us to shrink from declaring 
the whole truth, in a plain, pointed, but affection- 
ate manner ! The Lord is working all around us. 
Some of the most glorious revivals have lately ta- 
ken place about here, that have happened for a long 
time, especially at Ithaca. All the churches were 
visited there, and nearly every house and family re- 
ceived some drops of the abundant shower. Oh ! 
may the work go on in every branch of the church 
and in every section of the land, till the scoffer 
shall be put to silence ; till infidelity shall tremble 
and impiety shall be ashamed and iniquity shall 
cease, and the pure religion of Christ shall reign in 
every heart. I hope sectarian prejudices may 
cease; and for one I am resolved to guard against 
it, and by whomsoever the Lord may convert souls, 
I say, Amen 

You desired my opinion with regard the subject 
of an educated ministry. My opinion, brother, is a 
very humble one, but such as it is I am ready to 
give it. I have consulted the article to which you 
related ; and I think I should perfectly agree with 
the sentiments there advanced. It appears truly as- 



134 MEMOIR OF 

tonishing to me that any person after mature deli- 
beration, can feel opposed to the education of 
those who are going out as the champions of the 
truth as it is in Jesus. If the herald of the cross 
were now, divinely inspired to proclaim the infalli- 
ble counsel of Jehovah, it would be a different thing. 
In that case there would be no necessity of the 
scriptures. But is any man, without a well disci- 
plined, and richly cultivated mind, without a good 
education, prepared to examine and understand that 
most ancient and most sacred volume, which he is 
daily to expound and from which he is to instruct 
the people in the important truths that concern their 
future and eternal welfare ? Can he without an 
education defend our holy religion from the attacks 
of the ingenious and sophistical infidel? Can he 
detect and expose the errors and impostures of Po- 
pery? Can he guard our pure doctrines from the 
heresies that are coming in like a flood upon all 
the churches? No, my dear brother, it appears to 
me that they who are opposed to the education of 
the young ministers of Christ, have not considered 
the importance and responsibility of that sacred of- 
fice. It seems to me they have but superficial views 
of the nature and design of the gospel, the sublimity 
and purity of its doctrines ; and the solemn import- 
ance attached to the preserving of these doctrines 
free from heresies and errors. They do not seem 



A. ir. HURD. 135 

to have considered the peculiar situation ; the moral 
and religious condition of our country : for certain- 
ly there never was a time when more vigorous ef- 
forts and more efficient means were called for in the 
support of truth and in opposing error than at the 
present period. They seem to have forgotten that 
even the Apostle Paul was a man of profound lear- 
ning, and that still with all his learning and talents 
and inspiration, he could cry out, " Who is suffi- 
cient for these things?" But was not the founder 
of Methodism well educated and did he not at all 
times recommend to the preachers to be studious ; 
and to " study to show themselves approved, work- 
men who need not be ashamed ; rightly dividing 
the word of truth? Does not Methodism owe much, 
yea, under God, almost every thing, to the talents 
of such men as Wesley, Fletcher, Benson, Coke, 
Clark, Watson, and others of like character ? Nay, 
how much do we owe to Dr. Fisk ? I hope, dear 
brother, you will never cease to advocate this cause, 
to recommend it both by precept and example, and 
to urge its importance upon the brethren of our 
church. I am glad that they have awoke to this 
subject in a measure, and I hope that they will be 
equally zealous and persevering in the promotion 
of this laudable object as they have been in other 
respects. But let me say, I hope we shall never 
see the day when a knowledge of the classics shall 



136 MEMOIR OF 

be thought an essential qualification for admission 
into holy orders, in our church. f$o. Let us never 
make learning an idol; but let us encourage and 
patronize it as far as we can, by lawful and proper 
means. However, I hope that the spirit of jealousy 
which exists on this subject may be productive of 
good. It will guard a spirit of active piety, and it 
will show young men of education the importance 
of being humble, watchful, devoted, simple in their 
manners and language, pathetic and familiar in 
their address, and consequently will serve to com- 
bine piety with learning. . And it must be confess- 
ed that learning without piety is but a " corpus 
sine ammo." I hope we never shall have less piety 
or zeal on account of education. Nay, I have hopes 
that when most of our preachers become educated 
men we may have more sermons like those of Mr. 
Wesley; sermons that will alarm the careless, 
comfort the mourner, quicken the backslider, and 
strengthen believers to go on to " perfect holiness 
in the fear of the Lord." 



A. H. HURD. 137 

CHAPTER X. 

Goes lo Middletown — Incidents by the way — the 

situation described — letters examination — 

Commencement. 

The period which we are now approaching in 
Mr. Hurd's life, we think will be considered the 
most interesting and important. It is the time 
when he left his academic, to enter upon his colle- 
giate course ; when consequently he was thrown 
into a somewhat higher sphere and wider field of 
action; and when his powers were attaining their 
fullest development. Moreover it was the last earth- 
ly change of his situation. Little did we suppose, 
when he came among us, that his bones were to be 
laid here, and, that his pure spirit was to ascend 
from the Wesleyan University to the college of the 
glorified in Heaven ! 

The preceding letter to Professor Allen was 
written while on a visit to his father's at Reach. 
Soon after writing it he left home with Middle- 
town for his destination, but he made sundry devia- 
tions from the direct route to visit his relations and 
finally took Cazenovia in his way. He seems to 
have had a rather uncomfortable journey. In a 
letter to his father he says, 

" I should have been rather cold during my 
14 



138 MEMOIR OF 

night's ride, if it had not been for the heat which 
was evolved by the friction and pounding of my 
bare bones, against the sides of that miserable old 
lumber waggon. About 3 o'clock we arrived at 
Gates, and as the driver was afraid to drive into 
town, lest the Irishmen should ambush him, I went 
to bed cold as a potatoe, where I managed to shiver 
it out till day light." 

In the course of this journey he met on board a 
canal boat with Kneeland's Lecture against Chris- 
tianity, which he spent part of an evening in ex- 
amining. He observes, (Kneeland,) is either an 
egregiously ignorant man, or he w T as a vile knave. 
I suspect the latter. A school boy might refute 
his arguments, and indeed, convict him of palpable 
falsehoods. If infidelity wants such advocates, she 
is welcome to them." The result of that unhappy 
person's career tends to justify the young scholar's 
opinion. 

On arriving at Cazenovia, he was much rejoiced 
to find that the seminary was enjoying another de- 
lightful season of religious influence; and what 
added to his felicity was, that some of his intimate 
friends had given themselves to Christ. One he 
mentions as " a lovely young man" Mr. P. who 
had "abandoned skepticism and embraced reli- 
gion." What blessings are such seasons in our 
colleges and academies ! And how much do they 
promise for the church and the world ! 



A. H. HURD. 139 

The following extract from a letter to the Rev. 
Charles P. Bragden, will serve still further to illus- 
trate his views and feelings at this period of his 
life. It was written from Cazenovia during this 
brief visit. 

" I have not written in some time for various rea- 
sons : not that I have forgotten you: by no means. 
But I have been perpetually harrassed and em- 
ployed during this summer; have also been to 
Canada on a visit, and consequently have not found 
a leisure moment to drop you a line. Pardon me» 
brother. I was happy to hear from you by way 
of brother Knox. lam glad to hear that the Lord 
continues to own and bless your labors. I expect 
Brother, that you live holiness, and preach it to the 
people. Well, I am convinced that this is the only 
way to be permanently useful in the church. It is 
the only way in which Methodism can live and 
flourish. Take away vital piety; i. e. deep, ra- 
tional, consistent godliness, and the Methodist 
Church — nay, any church, is but a "corpus sine 
animo;" it is but the tomb of lifeless, christless, 
carnal souls. Oh ! my God preserve our Zion ! 
Preserve us from idle, metaphysical speculation; 
from becoming a whited sepulchre, to conceal the 
impurity within — Oh ! my brother is there not a 
loud call for christians to come up to the standard 



140 MEMOIR OF 

of the gospel I Should they not be " free from 
sin?" Should they not set God perpetually before 
their eyes? I do not mean to ask if they should not 
be gloomy, melancholy beings. No. I believe the 
christian should always be cheerful, always social, 
always agreeable. Not trifling — no. But is there 
not as much danger of our imitating the world in be- 
ing sullen and morose, as there is in being too light 
and buoyant in our feelings ? I think so. I think 
that "whatsoever is pure, whatsoever is lovely, 
whatsoever is of good report," ought to be found in. 
the christian. He should be inviting, not repul- 
sive. There is at present quite a moving of God's 
spirit among us. Last evening six or seven were 
forward to the altar of mercy ; some have found 
peace, others are still seeking the Lord. Among 
the converts we are happy to number S. P. — S. P. ! 
Yes, that amiable young man that cautious phi- 
losophising gentleman ; that irreproachable mor- 
alist, has given up his skepticism, abandoned his 
false hopes, embraced Christ, and consecrated him- 
self, soul and body to his Redeemer. Praise the 
Lord, Oh my soul ! Brother, this proves religion 
to be reasonable. Away then with the idea that 
reason must be laid aside in order to become pious! 
No. Let a man but investigate calmly, candidly, 
and in the fear of God, and he can hardly help 
being a christian, Is not this so? Do you not 
find it a most difficult matter to bring people to 



A. H. HURD. 141 

think on the subject 1 Does not the religion of the 
Bible commend itself to every man's conscience 
and judgment, who examines it carefully, and sifts 
it to the bottom? Oh! then, my brother, let us 
study to become " workmen that need not be asham- 
ed, rightly dividing this word of truth ! Let us 
study the word of God faithfully, philosophically, 
critically, prayerfully, and with a solemn reference 
to that weighty responsibility that is resting upon 
us. Let us, when we stand up before dying men, 
endeavor to have the store house of our minds so 
crowded with the rich treasures of that blessed 
Book, and all those treasures so orderly arranged, 
that we may be able to draw forth at our pleasure 
whatever is most inviting, most persuasive and most 
commanding. Above all things, let us go to our 
charge in the fulness of the gospel of peace, with our 
own souls flaming with celestial fire, our own 
hearts enjoying the fulness of that salvation which 
we go to proclaim. But, my dear brother, I did 
not intend preaching to you when I began — so I 
will go on. I heard brother H preach yesterday 
from Ps. lvii. 7. It was a most powerful time, 
Oh ! what a man he is ! He indeed hurls the 
spiritual thunderbolts of the Almighty ! Infidelity 
trembles whenever brother H. stands up in the 
pulpit. Would to God that hundreds of such bold, 



14* 



142 MEMOIR OF 

unflinching, holy, spirit rousing men might be 
raised up in the church!" 

He spent a few days in Cazenovia very pleas- 
antly among his old friends. Then finding an 
agreeable company formed who were just starting 
for Middletown, Connecticut, he joined them and 
bade Cazenovia farewell. They reached Albany, 
where our young friend, urged by his ever eager 
and inquisitive mind, set out to see whatever was 
worth seeing, and learn whatever could could be 
learnt in the place. He visited the City Hall, 
the Capitol, Museum, &c. From Albany they 
went to Schenectady, where having less know- 
ledge or amusement to gain from outward things, 
he drew more amply on his own materials of 
thought. " I amused myself," he says to his friend, 
Professor Allen, " in various ways, such as re- 
flecting on the power of steam, the inventive facul- 
ties of man, the march of improvement, and the 
prospects which seem to present themselves of the 
final triumph of knowledge, the universal spread 
of civilization, and the downfall of barbarism and 
error, before the light of Christianity and the prac- 
tical exhibitions of truth." "These reflections," he 
continues, H are naturally suggested by an observa- 
tion of the facilities for imparting knowledge, and 
the general spirit of activity and enterprize, and 
energy which is abroad in the world. But I know 



A. H. HURD. 143 

that some good, though timid minds, look upon 
the present moral contest with terror and dismay. 
But I cannot Whoever knew truth put to the 
worst in a fair and open encounter 1 I believe all 
events are in the hands of Him who will make 
even ' the wrath of man to praise him.' Though 
the contest may be tierce, in my opinion it canuot 
be doubtful. Truth will triumph. Light must 
prevail. The world must, nay, shall be regener- 
ated, and pure liberty sway her mild sceptre over 
our entire species/ 

Thus did this truly excellent young man pursue 
his reflections during his journey. And thus will 
a superior mind find or make opportunities of in- 
structive thought every where. 

At length they reached New York. It was our 
friend's first visit to the commercial metropolis of 
our country, the first large city he had ever visited. 
All was, therefore, new to him and fraught with 
wonder. His observations on it are in his own 
peculiar style. " But Oh! what a scene of confu- 
sion," he says in a letter to his father "did we 
find there! After we landed we hired a coach 
and tried to find our way to a tavern. But alas ! 
the town was full, up to the brim; and there was 
just our company too many ! We could find no 
place for the sole of our foot. Well, after riding 



144 MEMOIR OF 

round to some six or seven or a dozen public 
houses, we came to Congress Hall, and by means 
of crowding some out, turning some edgeways, 
and packing some of these " big folks" a little 
closer, (for, by the bye, they are not very solid,) 
we made out to slip in corner ways for a few 
hours." 

These few hours he employed with his friend 
Knox, in visiting and seeing all he could of the 
city; such as, the City Hall, the Museum, the 
Methodist Book Room, and other places of inter- 
est. " But I must say," he adds on leaving it, 
" that take it as a whole, I think New York pre- 
sents no very inviting spectacle. It is one vast 
bedlam ! And, from some of the streets, I should 
take it to be a cholera manufactory !" 

They proceeded on their way to Middletown, 
and reached their place of destination in safety, on 
Saturday the third week after he left home. We 
shall let him state in his own language his impres- 
sions as to this place. In a letter to his father from 
which some of the preceding extracts are taken, he 
says : — 

" The College is located on something of an emi- 
nence, from which there is a very interesting view 
of the surrounding country. The town, which is 
not large, lies just east of it on the banks of the 
river, and like all New England towns is inter- 



A. H. KURD. 145 

spersed with forest trees, which gives it a peculiarly 
romantic appearance. The Connecticut river rolls 
its waters along in full view for some distance, from 
which a dense, white fog rising in the morning 
and rolling up in thick volumes to heaven, while 
the rays of the sun clothe it in all the tints of the 
rainbow, present a sight at once beautiful and sub- 
blime. Oh! it is a delightful place. The weather 
how fair ! The sky how tranquil ! And then 
those blue hills, Oh ! they breathe a spirit of inspi- 
ration to the poet. I never in my life saw such a 
succession of stormless, cloudless weather, as since 
I have been at Middletown. My health is good; 
my spirits buoyant: but as usual, my purse is 
empty. Never heed that. I am rich in having a 
contented mind, a kind and bountiful Providence, 
and good friends." 

On the Monday after Mr. Hurd's arrival at this 
place, our examination of candidates for admission 
into the University commenced. It appears that 
he had no high opinion of his own position on that 
occasion. It should be remembered, however, that 
he entered far in advance, namely, in the Junior 
Class, and that his preparation for this standing, 
had been made with great rapidity. After all he 
seems to have interpreted the result by his own 
feelings, and these were some degrees lower than 
the merits of the case required. On Wednesday, 



146 MEMOIR OF 

was Commencement, after which examinations 
were resumed and continued to the close of the 
week. 

The following is Mr. Hurd's account of these 
and some other matters, to Professor Allen: — 

11 Monday examination commenced ; went thro' 
Virgil and English Grammar. Next day took up 
Greek and Mathematics, and thus went on drilling 
and quizzing and screwing till the do$e of the 
week, with the exception of Wednesday which was 
Commencement. To spare your feelings I shall 
say nothing of my examination. The fact is, it 
was too bad to be told. Suffice it to say they admit- 
ted me on the recommendation from others. The 
rest of the Cazenovians passed well, were highly 
commended : and I believe, entered college with a 
consciousness of having already made a favorable 
impression on the minds of the Professors. Com- 
mencement was very good. The orations were 
well written, not so well delivered. T. pro- 
duced the greatest effect. L. pleased me the 
best. Their characters are entirely opposite. T. 
has greater energy ; L. more strength. T's fire is 
more sparkling; L's more uniform and lasting. 
The action of T's mind was like the sudden blast of 
the hurricane or the vivid flashes of the lightning. 
L's like the strong current of the tempest, or the 
slow but sure workings of volcanic fire. T. shat- 



A. H. IIURD. 14? 

tered and rent the towering- cliff L. overturned 
the mountain from its base. T's movements were 
vehement. L's like that of a giant conscious of his 
strength, whose single arm could prostrate a host. 
All did well, though I cannot say they exhibited 
much oratory. 

Last Sabbath heard Professor H. preach twice. 

In the evening 
the Doctor preached his farewell sermon to a 
crowded house. His manner is chaste, his lan- 
guage elegant, his ideas lucid, and in some 
parts of his discourse he was eloquent. He seems 
one of the best of men. He gave the students a 
farewell address in the chapel on Wedneesday even- 
ing of this week. It was quite affecting. His so- 
licitude for the welfare of the students seemed, if 
possible, more than paterna. Thursday we ac- 
companied him to the boat, gave him the parting 
hand, and saw him take his departure for Europe." 

We have now seen Mr. Hurd enter college. He 
was admitted into regular standing in the Junior 
class, and, without loss of time commenced his stu- 
dies. The reader may, perhaps, wish to know 
what were his impressions as to his present situa- 
tion, and how far his expectations were realized in 
the institution. We prefer that this exhibition 
should be given in his own language, and for this 



148 MEMOIR OF 

purpose again present sundry extracts from letters 
to his friends. 

Writing to Mr. Caldwell, under date of October 
10th, 1835, after speaking of his strong inclination 
to have joined his friend at Amherst, he says, 

" Do not understand from this that I am dissat- 
isfied with the College. No. I am disap- 
pointed; happily so. Our Professors are, if not 
great men, industrious? laborious men. No labor 
is spared in the discharge of their duties. I think 
them superior men in the recitation room. They 
are affable and * * * * * 

I have no doubt that my privileges here, with very 
few exceptions, will be as good as at any other Col- 
lege. They are very critical in their recitations. 
Dr. Fisk has gone to Europe. This we regret 
much, but Professor Smith who is acting Presi- 
dent, is a most amiable, lovely man. The literary 
societies, though in infancy, are* worthy of a Col- 
lege of long standing. Emulation is seen in all 
their movements. The society rooms are furnish- 
ed and decorated in a neat and elegant manner. 
Their libraries, though not large, are choice and 
valuable. There is a Missionary Lyceum connect- 
ed with the College, in which there is a great deal 
of truly christian feeling existing. They seem to 
feel an interest in the welfare of the heathen world, 
and are fostering here in College something of that 



A. H. KURD. 149 

sacred flame which is to burst forth in after life, in 
some dark clime to light the savage nations home 
to God ! Oh ! v< hat a noble cause ! How cheer- 
ing the thought that in darkness light is yet to 
shine forth, and that out of disorder and confusion 
and heathenish gloom, shall yet arise the church 
of Christ,spotless and pure and glorious ! Oh ! who 
would not be an instrument in bringing about this 
great work ! Would that the missionary spirit 
might encircle all our literary institutions, and that 
these seats of science, might become the beacon 
lights to guide our nation to the heavenly land of 
peace and salvation! May a heavenly light ever 
beam from these watchtowers of a nation's glory !" 
To which we trust our reader will heartily respond, 
Amen ! 

In a letter to his father under date of Sept. 27, 
1835, he observes, 

" I think here is a chance of improving if any 
where. Discipline is strict. Every duty must be 
performed punctually, and each member is award- 
ed according to his merits. I go out and labor 
some. Yesterday I spoke to a Baptist Congrega- 
tion. I had a very good time. * * I have 
the best of room mates except Caldwell. It is bro- 
brother K — x. I shall probably go out and teach 
this winter. I would gladly not do it, but it may 
15 



150 MEMOIR OF 

be for the best. I wish I could have the pleasure 
of teaching your school. But how fruitless are 
wishes I" 

On entering college.it appears to have been his in- 
tention to have kept a journal of his private thoughts 
and feelings ; but he abandoned it after making two 
insertions. The subjoined passage affords a plea- 
sing evidence of his pious, humble, grateful state 
of mind at this period. 

Middletown, Weslcyan University. 
Sept 6, 1835. 
Two weeks since, I arrived here. The interve- 
ning time has been a period of thrilling interest. I 
have commenced an acquaintance with Mr. Charles 
Collins, from whose society I anticipate much plea- 
sure and profit Heard Prof. H. preach three 
times. * * * * Heard Doct. Fisk. He 
seems a lucid, cogent reasoner ; a chaste, elegant 
speaker : a deep and comprehensive thinker ; a de- 
vout and humble christian; and an affable, inter- 
esting man. I have now entered College, two 
years advanced in my collegiate course. With this 
thought are associated many recollections of liveli- 
est interest. Through what has the Lord brought 
me. From what perplexities and dangers has he 
rescued me ! From the gates of Death He has 
raised me up. From a wild and heedless boy He 



A. H. HURD. 151 

called me to become a child of his. A youth, I 
have been honored with a place among the Mis- 
sionaries of the gospel ; and praised be His name ! 
my feeble labors have been rendered successful in 
different places. Through His mercy, and the 
kindness of friends I have been enabled thus far to 
prosecute my design of acquiring a classic educa- 
tion, in spite of opposition, in spite of pecuniary em- 
barrassment, in spite of ill health and a feeble con- 
stitution! But, what now? I am almost penni- 
less. 1 might justly indulge gloomy forebodings 
of the future ; but I seem to hear the voice of Pro- 
vidence saying : 

" Wfto fed thee last will feed thee still : 
Be calm and sink into his will," 

I am in a strange land. I look back to my fa- 
ther's house 500 miles distant, as the place of my 
earliest and fondest recollections, the place where 
first I found a Savior's love, the place endeared by 
the pleasures of the domestic circle, the place to 
which, beyond all others, my thoughts shall ever 
tend, as the centre of my earthly bliss, the home of 
my childhood, and the scene of my sportive and 
festive days. I look back to Potsdam as the place 
where I commenced my classic studies, when, a 
stranger, I received kindnesses never to be forgot^ 



152 MEMOIR OF 

ten ; formed attachments never to be severed ; a 
place, for ever sacred, from the memory of my 
class-mate and room-mate; a young man of the 
most amiable qualities ; a friend the most ardent 
and faithful; a companion the most affable and 
courteous ; a wit the most brilliant and fascinating ; 
and a christian the most sincere and devout. En- 
deared to me by every tie, he shall live in my af- 
fections, and be embalmed in my memory ' while 
life, or thought, or being lasts.' I look back to 
Cazenovia as a place whither thought will ever 
love to fly, and where imagination will ever love 
to dwell, a place of great spiritual blessings, a place 
of genial hearts and friendly souls ; a place where 
friends were found, whose memory can never die 
away, among whom I am proud to rank Prof. W. 
H. Allen and his kindest sister, Mr. Stewart Perry, 
and Loren L. Knox. Oh ! indeed I might name 
a score — nay, twice that number. Praise the Lord, 
Oh ! my soul ! 



A. H. HURD. 153 



CHAPTER XL 

Standing in College — Mental characlei — Modes 
of improvement — Religious duties — letter to 
Mr, Allen. 

On Mr, Hurd's entrance into the Wesleyan Uni- 
versity he immediately assumed his place in his 
respective classes and took a high rank as a scho- 
lar. It was, it is true, a disadvantage to him that 
he had commenced his classical course somewhat 
late, and had hurried over his ground too rapidly. 
Nevertheless such was the power of his intellect 
and his indefatigable industry, that he sustained a 
position considerably above mediocrity in all his 
studies, and in most of them he stood maximum. 

The following certificate from Mr. Allen, who 
had charge of the department of languages at Ca- 
zenovia Seminary will shew what had been his 
studies up to this date, 

Oneida Conference Seminary. 

Mr. Aaron H, Hurd has been a student in 

this institution for more than a year past, and has 

studied the following books, viz.: Sallust, Horace 

(Odes, Sat. and Ars, Pa) Livy (2 B.) Ovid (12 

B.) Tacitus (Man. Ger. and Vit. Ag.) Cicero De 
15* 



154 MEMOIR OF 

Oratore ; Greek Testament, Greek Reader, Grasca 
Majora, 1st Vol. (Herod. Thucyd. Cyrop. Arab. 
Lysias, Dem. Isoc. Mem. Plato,) 2d Vol. (Homer,) 
Hebrew Chrestomathy (28 Paragraphs,) Traduc- 
teur Frangaise ; Geometry, Algebra, Trigonome- 
try and Topography." 

During the first year of his residence at the Uni- 
versity we had charge only of his weekly exerci- 
ses including composition and declamation. Of 
course of these only, are we able to speak from per- 
sonal knowledge. 

Of his composition we have already furnished 
various specimens from which an estimate of his 
ability may be formed. He united originality and 
vigor of thought : vividness of imagination ; rich- 
ness of language, and copiousness of illustration. 
He possessed in short all the essential elements of a 
graphic and elegant writer. His oration on Ge- 
nius the Fruit of Industry sufficiently confirms 
what we say. 

Yet it must be acknowledged that his style was 
not entirely free from those defects which belong to 
youth and inexperience. He was rather too fond 
of epithets, and thereby sometimes overloaded, and 
weakened his sentences by a superfluity of lan- 
guage. He frequently, too, in his letters, commit- 
ted a violation of correct taste, in using scriptural 



A. H. HURD. 155 

terms for other than religious uses— a fault which 
all elegant writers and speakers, we believe, have 
condemned ever since the days of Dr. Johnson ; — 
a fault of which the distinguished biographer of 
Dr. Good tells us he was sometimes guilty, before 
he embraced evangelical views of Christianity, but 
never afterwards.* Although in Mr. Hurd this 
was not a deviation from correct moral feeling, yet 
the author felt himself at liberty to omit such pass- 
ages ; for he did not wish this little work to counte- 
nance a practice which, with the careless and un- 
thinking must tend to bring consecrated phrases in- 
to disrespect, by their familiar application to secu- 
lar or ordinary subjects. 

* The passage alluded to is, " The chief violation of good 
taste which 1 have noticed, consists in the employment 
of scriptural phrases to illustrate other than theological 
subjects. They are never employed irreverently or in 
badinage, but in application to some intellectual inquiry. 
They were introduced, 1 conjecture, in the author's ori- 
ginal composition of these Lectures, and escaped his no- 
lice at the time of final revision for publication; a time 
when he had learned most scrupulously to abstain from 
every thing calculated to diminish the reverence due to 
Scrip ture." 

Memoirs of Dr. J. M. Good, by Dr. Olynthus Gre* 
gory. Boston, 1829, p. 168. 
A passage to the same purport might be quoted from 
the elegant biographer of Miss H More, who earnestly 
" protests against all meddling with Scripture, unless for 
% instruction in righteousness,' or purposes of holy illus- 
tration." 

See vol. 2d, p. 447. 



156 MEMOIR OF 

But after all who does not wonder that the sub* 
ject of our remarks made the progress he did, ra- 
ther than blame him for not making greater? 
Where shall we find another young man so unfa- 
vorably circumstanced who made equal advance- 
ment in the same space of time, and who mean- 
while maintained so sweet a tone of humble and 
devoted piety ? So completely was religion his 
daily business, and so conscientiously were his stu- 
dies a part of his religion, that he lived a christian 
as though religion was his only pursuit; and im- 
proved in his studies as though he paid them his 
exclusive attention. Thus the one did not inter- 
fere with the other ; and indeed never does when 
the mind is properly regulated and the heart suita- 
bly imbued with holy principles. But to return. 

One practice of Mr. Hurd may be mentioned for 
the benefit of young men, which was a principal 
secret of his success in writing, as well as the rase 
and correctness with which he expressed himself 
in conversation or in public speaking. He began 
to write early ; as soon, in fact, as he began to 
think. This is almost the only security for good 
writing. They who begin to think, and especially 
if to this they add successful public speaking, be- 
fore they begin to write, seldom succeed in the lat- 
ter accomplishment. The reason is obvious. The 
movement of the muscles in the act of writing, in 



A. H. HURD. 157 

accoidance with the volitions while thinking, is the 
effect of habit, and a habit too that requires long 
practice and frequent and laborious repetition in or- 
der to make it easy and agreeable. But this is a 
habit that must be formed while the mind is pliant, 
and while thought is young, and fresh, and slow in 
its procedure. But if a person have learned to en- 
tertain himself and others with his thoughts ; if his 
mind have learned to kindle, and glow, to rise and 
swell, under the excitement of its own action, the 
slow and laborious process of committing to paper 
will hardly ever be acquired. The mental action 
is too rapid, the mind is too eager in the pursuit of 
its objects, and it finds entertainment too easily to 
submit to so painful a drudgery. Besides in this 
slow labor, the impatient mind loses its interest, its 
ardor abates, and it subsides into a train of thought 
dull, cold and spiritless. No longer interested it- 
self, it, of course, loses the pow r er to interest others. 
Without asserting that this is a complete solution, it 
may at leas 1 : help to explain the phenomenon that 
many entertaining speakers, both public and pri- 
vate, have been very indifferent writers. Napoleon 
Bonaparte, and our own Patrick Henry are signal 
examples. Both were men of powerful and ex- 
pansive minds ; few men displayed in private con- 
versation greater reach of intellect or profundity of 
thought than the former : and as an orator, none, 



158 MEMOIR OF 

perhaps, excelled the latter : yet as writers, both 
have often been exceeded by mere school boys. 
The cause lay here, that the habit of writing was 
not acquired at an early period of their mental de- 
velopment, and it was too laborious an operation 
to be patiently submitted to afterwards. 

We have seen how Mr. Hurd avoided this error. 
He began to write letters before he knew how to 
spell ; while among the Indians, in addition to let- 
ters he write a diary, and occasional pieces ; and 
after the commencement of his literary course, he 
wrote regularly his weekly compositions, besides 
keeping up an ample correspondence, and writing 
many occasional articles for various purposes. 

In declamation Mr. Hurd was perhaps scarcely 
less successful than in composition, and with still 
greater credit to himself as he had more disadvan- 
tages to encounter. His person was tall, but rather 
disproportionately slender ; in consequence of the 
feebieness of his constitution he had contracted a 
slight lateral inclination of the body ; his voice was 
distinct and clear, but wanted fulness and power 
in the under tones. It possessed but little compass, 
and its ordinary pitch was rather high and pier- 
cing. Nor was there any thing remarkably grace- 
ful and elegant in his movements and gestures. 

And yet we have rarely had among us a more 
effective public speaker. With an expansive,clear, 



a. h. nvnv. 159 

discriminating mind, he took in fully the import of 
his words, marked accurately the significant ex- 
pressions; by correct inflexions of the voice clear- 
ly indicated their meaning to his hearer ; and by 
entering deeply into the spirit of his piece himself, 
he never failed to carry its spirit into the breasts of 
those who listened to him. He was correct, clear, 
forcible. He could rouse the boisterous feelings of 
the heart, and wind up one's interest to an intense 
pitch of excitement ; and again he could turn to the 
pathetic and discourse such eloquent music as made 
every chord of the soul vibrate in unison with his 
gentle sounds. A slight quaver of the voice, occa- 
sioned probably by his bodily weakness, added no 
little to the pathos of his tenderer strains, and help- 
ed to awaken the sympathy of his auditors. When 
he spoke his own productions he was peculiarly fe- 
licitous. The correspondence between his train of 
thought, and his natural and unstudied manner 
produced great effect. Then he was brilliant, rous* 
ing, powerful. Seizing upon the hearts of his an- 
dience by his vivid conceptions, and spirit stirring 
appeals, he would bear them away with him in a 
flood-tide of entranced emotion. We once saw an 
audience wrapped up in astonishment, and held for 
a time in breathless suspense, under the powerful 
spell which he threw around them, until the heart 
ached and the nerves quivered under the sensations 



160 MEMOIR OF 

he aAvakened. Those who heard his Oration on 
Pleasure at the Junior Exhibition in 1835, we 
presume, would unanimously confirm our obser- 
vation. 

No doubt, in speaking as well as in writing, 
much of Mr. Hurd's success was owing to his ear- 
ly commencement. In this art as in the other, fa- 
cility is the result of practice, long, arduous and at- 
tentive. For want of this, some of the most capa- 
cious minds have failed as egregiously in this de- 
partment, as others have done in composition. 
Cromwell, the Protector, has often been cited as a 
familiar instance ; a most comprehensive, clear and 
rapid thinker ; but as a public speaker, dark, con- 
fused and utterly unintelligible. From Mr. Hurd's 
advice to his young friend, given in a preceding 
letter, we may infer what had been his own prac- 
tice ; and we shall, therefore, not wonder greatly 
at his success. 

Perhaps we may be allowed to point out a seri- 
ous obstacle in the way of correct public speaking. 
It consists in compelling children to read aloud in 
works they cannot understand. As the meaning 
is a perfect blank to them, of course they can do no 
more than utter the words, and they generally 
drawl or stammer them out, perhaps at the very top 
of their voices, without the least regard to empha- 
sis or inflection ; while the sole direction given 



A. H. HURD. 161 

to them in the art of reading, is, " mind your 
stops!" Hence they acquire an artificial tone, an 
unintelligible sing-song, or a monotonous bawl. 
Hence there is no variety of intonation, neither em- 
phasis nor cadence. All propriety is destroyed, 
nature is set at defiance, and the whole is an un- 
meaning jargon of uncouth sounds. To avoid this, 
only such books should be put into the hands of a 
child, to be read aloud, as he can understand and 
feel. Then correct emphasis, natural tones and ap- 
propriate modulations of the voice will be early ac- 
quired ; and by adapting the books to the gradually 
developing capacity, he will, as he is prepared for 
it, be trained to the more elevated style of speaking 
and still carry with him a natural and appropriate, 
and therefore an agreeable and powerful delivery. 
Such was the training of Mr. Hurd. His books 
were selected by his own taste, and of course ac- 
cording to his capacity. He read only what he 
could understand, appreciate, and feel. When he 
read aloud, therefore, he always interested others 
because he was interested himself; and when he 
began to practice speaking he still adhered to the 
same rule and with the same result. The hints 
and instruction he received in the course of his ed- 
ucation were, no doubt, of service to him ; but they 
would have availed but little, had it not been for his 
early habits and self training ; or as some would 
16 



162 MEMOIR OF 

say, his natural aptitude. It is difficult to break up 1 
in, comparatively, a few lessons, brief and far apart, 
habits which the person has been years in acquir- 
ing. Hence the little advancement made at our 
colleges and academies in the art of elocution. 

Previously to his entering college he had paid 
considerable attention to the branches which be' 
long to the department of morals. He was very 
fond of investigating the powers of the mind, an& 
the laws which govern their operation: of tracing 
out the principles which should regulate our moral 
actions, as well as of marking the nicer distinctions 
both in theoretic and practical ethics. He had read 
all he could lay his hands on upon these subjects, 
and they were most of the popular authors in the 
English language. Indeed he had read more in 
moral and intellectual philosophy before he entered 
college, than most young men have accomplished at 
the time of leaving it. No wonder then,thatin a class 
of no ordinary mental power, he should have assu- 
med and maintained the very first position. 

In the other departments, he acquitted himself, if 
not with precisely equal success, at least, with very 
great respectability. His mind was sound and well 
balanced ; not partial and irregular. He did not 
inordinately pursue one branch, to the neglect of 
others, nor ever excuse himself from intense appli- 
cation to certain subjects from a want of taste for 



A. H. HURD. 163 

them. Though he had no doubt his preferences ; 
yet, as he knew that the object of education is to 
form and mature the mind, and to accustom it to 
correct habits of thinking on every subject, he was 
well aware, that it is often of vital importance reso- 
lutely to cultivate those very branches for which 
the mind has the slightest predilection. It is often 
in this way only, that proper mental discipline can 
he acquired. On the whole, perhaps, no one in 
similar circumstances, could have better exemplifi- 
ed lord Bacon's celebrated remark on the relation 
of the three mental employments ; viz. reading, in- 
cludingf all kinds of study, makes afull man; speak- 
ing a ready man ; and writing, an exact man. 

Another particular in our young friend's mental 
character ought not to be omitted. I allude to his 
habits of neatness and accuracy. He wrote with 
care, acquired a clear and distinct hand, and attend- 
ed to all the details of writing with precision : no 
doubt greatly to the satisfaction of printers and 
proof readers! Such little things are certainly 
worth attending to as well for one's own credit, as 
from a regard to the convenience, time, and temper 
of others. Yet how sadly are they neglected by 
those, especially who enter the advanced classes in 
college after a hasty preparation. We often see 
students, in grasping after the higher branches, 
neglect all the elements of every day knowledge ; 



164 MEMOIR OF 

so that many have " finished their education" whose 
most appropriate work would be Dilworth's or 
Webster's Spelling Book ! If it be said that these 
are but small matters and easily acquired : the an- 
swer is ready; so much the more is it discreditable 
to be ignorant of them. 

Mr. Hurd was regarded as a valuable and im- 
portant acquisition to the college. He brought 
with him a weight of character, a depth of piety, 
and a superiority of mind which secured him a 
large share cf influence. By his uniformly cor- 
rect and consistent conduct, he gained the entire 
confidence of the Faculty ; while by his affability, 
modesty and warmth of feeling he conciliated the 
students. Knowing how easily little jealousies 
will insinuate themselves among such a compa- 
ny of youug men, promiscuously thrown togeth- 
er from every part of the country, and every class 
of society, and every complexion and shade of cha- 
racter, it is not a little to his honor that during his 
stay, so far as I know, not a word to his disadvan- 
tage was ever spoken. Nothing but a mature 
christian character, and a peculiarly blameless and 
exemplary life — a life regulated by the holy prin- 
ciples of Christianity — would have carried him un- 
scathed through such an ordeal. 

In addition to his necessary and arduous duties 
in college, he found abundant employment in the 



A. H. KURD. 165 

various modes of christian usefulness. He was a 
regular attendant upon the means of grace in the 
institution, was always ready to take part in meet- 
ings for religious purposes, and the second year of 
his stay was appointed class leader — a station which 
he filled greatly to the edification of those entrusted 
to his care. Besides this, he was appointed by the 
Presiding Elder of the District in connexion with a 
fellow student also a preacher, to the pastoral 
charge of a small church at Middlefield, about six 
miles distant. To this place he went once a fort- 
night, lie usually went out on the Saturday and 
after attending a prayer meeting or a class in the 
evening, and fulfilling the duties of the Sabbath, 
walked in again on Monday morning in time to re- 
sume his college duties. His labors here were 
highly appreciated by all. His talents, zeal, and 
piety were deeply felt by his congregations, and 
sincere and ardent are the testimonies to his worth 
which the writer of this has heard from the people 
of his charge. His memory is still cherished and 
revered among them, and he is universally account- 
ed as a young man every way superior — nay, ex- 
traordinary. Thus in him was verified the words 
of Holy Writ, " The memory of the upright is 
blessed!" 

But in addition to this regular work, he general- 
ly had full occupation for his intermediate Sabbaths. 
16* 



166 



MEMOIR OF 



His services were so much in request that the Sab- 
bath was seldom a day of rest to him. He was re- 
peatedly called upon to preach in the Baptist and 
Methodist Churches in the town, as well as to speak 
at Temperance meetings around the vicinity. Thus 
his time was chiefly spent. And who will say, 
that a religious collegian, sustaining such a char- 
acter, and carrying such an influence, does not fill 
an important place, or may not be an instrument of 
great and extensive usefulness? 

Meanwhile he did not permit one duty to inter- 
fere with another. His aim was to give to 
each proportionate attention, and an appropriate 
place. In the midst of all his engagements he 
found time to write an occasional letter by way of 
friendly remembrance and interchange of thought. 
The following to Mr. Allen will exhibit the ardor 
of his emotions, the tenor of his thoughts and the 
utility of his reading, even in those lighter produc- 
tions whose aim is to embellish the character, rather 
than to subserve the more substantial purposes of life. 
His reading was not by any means confined to a 
limited range. It was ample and diversified ; but 
always directed with a view to his improvement in 
mind, heart or manners. 



A. H. HURD. 167 

Wesley an University, October 31, 1835. 
Monsieur Allen, 

Pardon me that I have not written be- 
fore. Not that I deem my neglect any loss 
to yourself; but I am aware that friendship 
(may I use the term?) is no cold calculator of util- 
ity ; nor is it a thing that can endure harsh treat- 
ment; for, 

u Neglect can wound it, and distrust destroy." 

I would have written, but I could not. My Sat- 
urdays and Sabbaths, my only leisure time, have 
been all employed, you know how ; not in a way 
very congenial with my health, nor favorable for 
my studies, nor very much in accordance with my 
own feelings, though possibly for the good of others, 
and the interests of religion. But really I question 
whether duty call the student to spend so much of 
his time and strength in going out to — talk ! What 
think you ? 

I have been all impatience to hear of you in re- 
ference to that tour to the West and to his Ma- 
jesty's dominions. Did the Falls answer your ex- 
pectations ? Was the country as fine as you ex- 
pected? And a thousand other impertinent ques- 
tions, I hope you will answer fully and speedily 
Write a New-Yorker*, and let Miss C. fill out the 

* A term used in the Seminary at Cazenovia, to signify 
a large sheet well filled. 



168 MEMOIR OF 

blanks and illustrate the whole with notes, which 
sometimes are necessary in classic writings. Espe- 
cially I hope she will add a touch ofherpencil to the 
description of your tour, in which she possibly may 
introduce some figures a little in the shade w-hich 
your imagination would fail to suggest. If my 
hints are a little dark dont be displeased ; for Burke 
says that darkness always creates a feeling of the 
sublime ! As I have filled one page in writing no- 
thing, we will now turn over the leaf 

The session thus far has passed agreeably and I 
trust profitably. The pleasure that I have enjoy- 
ed has been principally that of solitude. I have 
mingled very little, indeed none, in the circles du 
beau monde. I often look with grief-begetting 
pleasure on the social interviews which were pass- 
ed at Cazenovia. Those scenes were enlivened by 
so much of sprightly humor, so much affability and 
kindness, by so many emotions of tenderness, exhi- 
bited in the spirit of true politeness, and above all 
by so much christian feeling, that they will be ever 
most grateful to memory. But here Les Graces 
do not soften and refine our society. There is a 
soul of recklessness in the conduct of students to 
each other,which is calculated to chill every w r arm 
affection, and blunt every sensibility of the soul. 
Indeed, college seems to me a better place to train 



A. H. HURD. 169 

the students for the muicular combats of the gym- 
nasium, or for the athletic excercises of the gladia- 
tor, than for the refinements of civilized life, and the 
circles of polite society. I scarcely know how a 
youth can spend four years in such a place without 
becoming- so blunted in his sensibilities, and so cold 
in his manners as to be perfectly repulsive to a 
more sensitive mind. Yet I do know that some 
hearts at least have passed through college, without 
becoming dead to the tenderer sensibilities of our 
nature, and without being steeled to the nobler pul- 
sations of pure and disinterested friendship: and I 
therefore live in hope that my short stay here, will 
not transform my heart into a lifeless, stoical, emo* 
tionles thing. 

My reading since here, (aside from my college 
studies,) has been various. I have read Byron 
considerably. What a pity that he so prostituted 
his talents as he sometimes did ! But I never can 
agree with the North American Review in his 
seven strictures on him. For certainly his pages 
glow with thought, and it seems to me that few 
writers could touch the cords that vibrate to the 
passions of the human heart with a more skilful 
hand than he. Yet I confess that I think too 
much reading of Byron would chill our hearts to 
the common woes of life. I am much pleased 
with the "Ambitious Student" of Bulwer. His re- 



170 MEMOIR OF 

marks on "the consolations of ill health;" on the 
" desire of sympathy ;" on the " differences of au- 
thors ;' J and on the "different branches of study " 
&c, I think, exhibit a deep knowledge of human 
nature, and a philosophic, discriminating mind. 
But I can not help thinking that in the midst of his 
moral reflections, he sometimes intends a seceret 
thrust at the vitals of religion. He seems to me 
the assassin masked! I may be wrong. I am 
now reading " Vita Washingtonii," by Glass. I 
presume you have read it. And are you not pleas- 
ed with it? I am sure I could not feel more plea- 
sure in perusing any classic author on any sub- 
ject. Some say it carries us back two thousand 
years. I think not ; it brings down classic days to 
the present ; it brings forth Roman literature from 
its grave and gives it life and action ; it transfers 
the deeds, the honors, and the renown of a Csesar, 
to a greater than Caesar, and makes the Greek and 
Roman who has stalked an empty name, to walk 
forth in flesh and blood our countryman, our patriot, 
our friend and parent. But ah, friend Allen ! how 
little shall I ever know of the beauties and richness 
of those langaages which were the delight and only 
solace of poor Glass's life! I am ashamed that I 
have yet done no more. I would drink deep of the 
Castalian fount; I would cull the choicest flowers 
from the sacred field ; I would gather the richest 



A. H. KURD. 171 

treasures from the classic mind ; but, "fugit invida 
celas et fugaces labuntur anni ;" and my frail 
body tells me my thoughts ought rather to be em- 
ployed about that eternity to which my passage can 
be but short. Dreams of glory are vain. As for 
scientific distinction, I cannot expect it. If I can do 
some good in the world ; add to the happiness of 
those around me and enjoy the testimony of a good 
conscience, I will lie down in the grave with com- 
posure ; I will meet death with a smile, and wel- 
come the hour of my dissolution as the dawn of 
immortality. 

Your letter at the close of the session was the 
source of unutterable joy to me. O, it seemed to 
me that this clay tenement could not hold its spir- 
itual inhabitant, but that it should fly to your soci- 
ety. I had ever regarded you as my most valued 
friend. I had felt the deepest solicitude that you 
might prove by experience the happy influence of 
religion on the mind, and it had been my secret, 
ardent, believing prayer that you might enjoy the 
comforts and pleasures which attend a rational, 
consistent piety. I always judged you favorable 
to religion; but when I was admitted to your 
friendship, I was almost disappointed to find there 
was so little difference in our theoretical views on 
this subject. When your letter came to hand, I 
read it, I wept, I rejoiced, I prayed. No single 



172 MEMOIR OF 

event in my life do I remember that has filled my 
heart with so much joy. O 1 if I could but return 
to Cazenovia, what satisfaction should I not find in 
your and your sister's society. But I regret that 
I so often dishonored my profession while I was 
with you. Oh! that I might ever live so as to 
render religion a lovely, a desirable object. But 
I would not be gloomy. No ; I would be cheerful, 
affable, affectionate. Yes, friend Allen, you will 
agree with me that the Christian ought to be a 
happy, a cheerful and a holy man. Religion ele- 
vates the mind, without making it haughty ; it 
humbles it, without making it groveling ; it calms 
it, without making it dull ; it renders it pliable, but 
not inconstant ; kind, but not effeminate ; thought- 
ful, but not morose; devout, but not bigoted ; and joy- 
ful, but not vain. Indeed, my dear friend, religion 
seems to me to be the very element of our spiritual 
nature. It is poetry, philosophy and wealth ! O, 
may we ever live under its sanctifying influence ! 
may we draw its sacred truths from the pure fount ! 
Oh, there is a beauty, a purity, a sublimity in the 
scriptures, that we seek in vain elsewhere. May 
we study those sacred pages till our hearts glow 
with the same pure sentiments which swayed the 
bosoms of the inspired penman. " Non vereor, in 
amore ne modum excesserim. Neque enim peri- 



A. H. HURD. 173 

eulum est, ne sit nimium, quod esse maximum 
debetP So says Pliny ; and so think I. 

Have you seen Professor C's. address? Doubt- 
less. And what think you of his ideas on the 
judgment and imagination? Do we not often 
mistake strong passion and a nervous irritability, 
for a lively imagination ? And may not a man 
be susceptible of powerful excitement whose ima- 
gination is feeble and dull? And may not the 
most brilliant and lively imagination exist with a 
calm, tranquil temperament of mind ? And is it 
not from a want of attention to this distinction be- 
tween feeling and imagination that many errors 
have arisen ? He does not always soar highest 
who flutters most. 

Is the Lyceum prospering? Are the debates 
generally interesting ? Who are the best debaters ? 
I hope that society may long continue a blessing 
to the school. I am convinced that no branch of 
education is more important than declaiming, de- 
bating, and writing. Our societies here are places 
where much strength of argument and much real 
talent are displayep. Next Tuesday evening C. 
and myself are to be the combatants. I rather 
tremble at the contest : but then it is better to be 
vanquished by a Hercules than to triumph over a 
pigmy. There is some honor in having grappled 
with such an one. 
17 



174 MEMOIR OF 

Present my respects to all whom it may concern, 
and believe me 

Yours by every endearing tie, 

A. H. Hurd. 



CHAPTER XII. 



Takes a School at Wethersfield — Junior Exhi- 
bition — Mr. Hurd's Oration — Pleasure — "the 
Battle of Fort Mystic" 

In such occupations as we have described with- 
out any thing very remarkable to vary the routine 
of his life, the period of his first term passed along. 
As the winter approached it became necessary for 
him to think of procuring a school, to enable him 
to meet his expenses. Accordingly he obtained a 
situation at the pleasant village of Wethersfield, 
where in the latter part of November he found 
himself comfortably settled in a kind family, and 
duly ensconsed in the chair of authority. Here, 
as elsewhere, he soon found himself ample em- 
ployment. What with the labors of his school, 
imparting instruction in French and Latin to some 



A. H. HURD. , 175 

private pupils, keeping on with his collegiate stu- 
dies, and preaching on the Sabbath, and attending 
meetings through the week, besides giving his ad- 
vice on various matters on which he was consult- 
ed, and maintaining his usual correspondence, — 
in which by the way, his letters were none of the 
shortest, — he must have had a frame of iron and 
nerves of steel, not to have sensibly felt the pressure 
upon his system. Indeed, the labor he accomplish- 
ed, considering his frail constitution, was won- 
derful. 

We have received several of the letters which 
he wrote during this period, some extracts from 
which we think will afford entertainment and pro- 
fit to the reader. The first was to his friend and 
former teacher, now Professor Allen of Dickinson 
College. We present only one short passage as a 
specimen of his power of personal description. 
The delineation is vivid and vigorous: and we 
apprehend its original will be instantly identified 
by those who were present. 

"I dismissed last week for Thanksgiving, and to 
attend the exhibition of the Seniors at Middletown. 
The performance was good ; but a young gentle- 
man from the south named , eclipsed them 

all. His was oratory such as I never heard be- 
fore. He is tall — perhaps six feet and an inch — 



176 MEMOIR OF 

slender and straight ; his limbs flexible as the reed ; 
his forehead broad and open : his hair a light 
brown; his eye piercing, but mild; his features 
delicate and spare; his movements the simplest 
playings of nature; his language chaste, but ner- 
vous; his thoughts poetic and brilliant: and the 
tones of his voice clear and soft, but thrilling and 
startling. The audience hung on his speech 
breathless. The sensation produced was appal- 
ingly delightful /" 

In another to the same gentleman, he says : " I 
have been reading Hannah More's Coelebs, and 
think it very good. Character is admirably drawn 
and Christianity exhibited in her native loveliness. 
Do you not think Mr. Stanley's family a perfect 
pattern ? What mildness, forbearance, cheerful- 
nass, activity, benevolence, freedom from ostenta- 
tion ! There I find developed just what I think 
the christian ought to be. I would have him avoid 
all the extremes into which the other various char- 
acters run: and come into the middle ground of 
christian zeal, tempered by christian love, directed 
by christian philosophy, and shaded by christian 
modesty. O, if the church had a host of Stanley's 
in the great outlines of character, how soon would 
truth triumph, and error shrink into her native 
darkness ! But how few, my dear A., understand 



A. H. HURD. 177 

the principles of our divine religion! Yes, how 
few even among professing christians ! I am sur- 
prised that so little attention should be paid to the 
Scriptures, and that so few should perceive and 
relish their literary beauties! The Bible like its 
kindred volume Nature, seems to possess an inex- 
haustible fund of wisdom which is scarcely visible 
to the superficial observer.' 7 

In the latter part of the coming March, was held 
the exhibition of the Junior Class. Mr Hurd's 
part was an English oration which he wrote by 
catching broken fragments of the time in the inter- 
vals of his daily employment. Though his term 
at shcool was not ended, he came to the exhibi- 
tion, and spoke the piece which we subjoin. It 
was delivered with such effect as to thrill every 
nerve of his auditory, and produce the most in- 
tense sensation of delight. 

Pleasure. 

" Ambiguity is a striking characteristic of Ian- 
guage. The same word is made to designate the 
purest sentiment of the undying spirit, and the vi- 
lest passion of the perishable brute; while the glow- 
ing fervor of angelic nature, the sparklings of gen- 
ius, and the writhing of an accusing conscience 

have but a common name ! In the word pleasure, 
17* 



178 MEMOIR OF 

we have the mingled idea of the nectar flowing 
pure from the Elysian fount, and of the gall and 
wormwood distilled from the poison of dn. Plea- 
sure has formed the soul and substance of one sys- 
tem of Philosophy, has been made the single duty 
and sole interest of man ; and by another it has been 
caricatured into a thousand Protean forms of ill. 
With the one it is virtue's self luring to unsullied 
bliss: and with the other, the beguiling serpent, 
the worm that dies not, the scorpion of a thousand 
stings. Pleasure has sweetened the minstrel's 
song, and swelled with anguish the voice of woe; 
has pointed the shaft of the satirist and drowned the 
sense of the inebriate ; has winged the lightnings 
of eloquence, and palsied the energies of genius ; 
has lighted the altar of devotion and fanned the 
flames of hell. 

Its name is one ; and whatever its nature, it still 
wears this angel garb. Though it were armed 
with the terrors of the second death, though its 
touch were pollution and its breath the pestilence, 
still it might be pleasure. Oh! madness! how 
many daily perish at her unholy shrine? With 
what infatuation they rush forward, but to be crush- 
ed beneath her ponderous car ! How many have 
wooed her embrace, but to be pierced through with 
ten thousand sorrows! Often, in the midnight 



A. H. HURD. 179 

dance, does the fair victim fit herself for the slaugh- 
ter: and 

— " chace the glowing hours with flying feet," 

until wan disease has drunk up the crimson tide of 
health, and consumption glutted with the beauteous 
offering, consigns over the wasted remains to the 
insatiate rioters of the tomb. Like the mariner on 
the deceitful waters, thoughtless, sporting, and gay, 
they are borne on in the giddy rounds of pleasure, 
listening to the syren's voice, till roused by Cha- 
rybdis 7 dashing spray, the infallible precursor of a 
premature grave. Had we the pencil of a Rapha- 
el, we would sketch a picture at which the genius 
of humanity would weep, and death itself would 
drop a tear ! But who shall paint the blanched 
paleness of death, creeping over the bloom of the 
rose; the swelling of high hopes against the eb- 
bing tide of life: the warm gleamings of affection, 
midst the icy coldness of the tomb, the coiling of 
the serpent in the rose bed of ease ; and the spark- 
lings of joy, through the eyes of despair ? But we 
drop the curtain ; for the heart sickens, imagina- 
tion reels, and delicacy refuses to look on the woes 
that are there enshrouded. 

With one class, Pleasure # consists solely in the 
sensual. Intellect is repudiated. The fires of 



180 MEMOIR OF 

genius never warmed their frigid bosoms ; the 
light of science never shot its rays down through 
that dark, eternal night which curtains their sordid 
souls. They see pleasure only as it sparkles in 
the bowl ; they taste it only in luxuries' rich vi- 
ands; they feel it only in the reveries of intoxica- 
tion. For this they plunge into dissipation, wreck 
and ruin their fortunes, blast the hopes of their 
friends, and degrade themselves to a level with the 
crawling reptile. They count not treasure, they 
value not friendship ; no, nor honor, nor life when 
pleasure is the prize. And brilliant indeed are 
their dreams of bliss, while the fumes of intoxica- 
tion last. Often does the wretched bankrupt pic- 
ture to himself the princely mansion, the gilded 
sofa, the countless treasure, the rich saloon, the 
splendid tapestry, and the bower of delight, nor 
once dreams himself the wretch he is, dancing on 
the eddying whirlpool, or reeling o'er the head- 
long precipice. But short is the passage from this 
fancied world of enjoyment, to his real self-created 
world of woe. Oh ! the transit ! What loathing 
of being! What shrinking from self! What 
panting for oblivion ! Oh ! that deathly worm ! 
That quenchless fire! If this be pleasure, what 
then is pain ? What the bitterness of unmitigated 
anguish ? 

From the brute-like sensualist we turn to the 



A. H. HURD. 181 

intellectual worshipper of this multiform divinity. 
Here though we approve not, yet we may admire; 
though we pity, yet we cannot feel contempt. 
Here are some of the brightest itellects that ever 
flashed light on the world of mind. Spirits of ether 
and genii of fire, they have mounted above the fogs 
and clouds of sensuality and forgetful of mankind, 
with no sympathies for their sufferings, and no 
tear for their woe, they have sported in the bright 
regions of fancy, and revelled in the rich creations 
of their own exhaustless intellect. For them plea 
sure lives only in the regions of fiction. The 
cold realites of life are too wintry a clime. But 
beneath the mystic wand of romance, every sky 
becomes brightness, every breeze softness, and 
every sound melody. Even the bleak hills, and 
solitary glens, the storm beaten cliffs, and the wild 
mountains of Scotland, have been made to glow 
with a deeper radiance, than the grape mantling 
hills, and rich carpeted vales of Italy. Who but 
has felt the magic of her power while tracing her 
gorgeous fictions and ideal splendors ; her cold and 
striking delineations of character, where beauty 
beams and wit dazzles ; where softness wooes and 
kindness melts; where valor gleams and vice cow- 
ers ; where poetry glows, and eloquence likeinspira- 
tionbreathes on the soul, or lightning-like darts along 
the trembling nerve, and sends the rushing blood in 



182 MEMOIR OF 

nimbler torrents, until the heart vibrates, with its 
thousand cords, in one deep, full, melodious tone of 
joy? Oh ! it is a frantic feeling ! Never did De- 
lius breathe an inspiration more enchanting. 5 Tis 
resistless ; as the wasted lamp of midnight ; the 
sleepless, but fading eye, the wan, pale cheek, the 
fevered brain, and the feeble glimmerings of life's 
parting ray too often testify. Never was monk 
more faithful to his cloister, or saint more fervid in 
his devotions, or magician more inspired in his con- 
verse with the stars, than the novelist in his roman- 
tic reveries. Oh ! were those visions but reality ! 
Were they but perpetual as the mind ! But how, 
like the pleasant dreams of the fevered couch, or 
the fancied banquet of the starving man, do they va- 
nish at the first waking of sober thought ! As the 
dungeon bound captive, who dreams of ranging 
" the steep mountain side," and of drinking from 
the mountain rill, wakes but to feel the cold, death 
like damps, to look on the wall of adamant, and to 
hear the creaking of his prison door and the rat- 
tling of his chains ; so wakes the lover of romance, 
to the chilling, unsocial, repulsive realities of life. 
Instead of the beau ideal, the embodied perfection, 
he too often finds, the blending of a single virtue 
with a thousand crimes. Instead of perpetual 
smiles, and winning grace, he meets with the un- 
welcome reception, the chilling neglect, the dark 



A. H. HURB. 183 

frown, the fiendish scowl, or the withering sneer. 
Instead of beauty's auburn locks, and mantling 
cheek, and gleaming eye, he looks on the deformi- 
ties of his fellow clay, and like the sensitive plant, 
recoils from the contact, shrinks into the solitude of 
his own fancied delicacy, and broods over the dark 
shades of human character, till he is steeped in the 
venom and poison of misanthropy. How often, 
alas ! has this indulgence in fiction, this intellectual 
riot, generated a morbid sensibility w r hich has 
drunk up the balm of life ; which has twined like a 
scorpion round the heart's affections, and transfus- 
ed its poison through the mind, till its breathings 
have been a moral pestilence, a spiritual sirocco ! 
But still the soul seems formed for pleasure, and 
like the bee, she flits from flower to flower, 
and sucks their sweets, nor ever finds satiety. Re- 
tired in her dark observatory, she has viewed na- 
ture's unfolding but exhaustless beauties; has tra- 
ced the transforming progress of art ; has gazed on 
the breathing marble and the speaking canvass, has 
seen the beauteous temple rising from the unpolish- 
ed marble, and rearing aloft her graceful Corinthi- 
an columns ; or the magnificent palace frowning 
over its massy, Gothic arches ; has listened to the 
sweet and silver tones of music, as they have been 
wafted " soft as the lutes of heaven," over the balmy 
hills of Italy, or have been echoed in deafening, 



184 MEMOIR OF 

thundering, enchanting peals from the galleries and 
porticoes of a Cathedral. 

For one there is no pleasure save in the lovely. 
The blushing flower, or twinkling diamond, the 
perfect symmetry, or graceful mien, the gentle and 
tender, whether mental or physical, move on his 
heart like the breath of morn, and cause his joy to 
flow in melting murmurs like the mountain rill. 
Another, calm as the broad, clear sky, or tranquil 
ocean, drinks in his pleasure in one deep, wide, 
perpetual flow of serenity, till heaven were scarce 
more placid and happy ; while a third, eagle-like, 
is made for the storms and sublimities of nature. 
Where beauty smiles and brightness beamsj he 
would be unhappy : he would sigh for the moun- 
tain cliff, the towering crag, the rushing, roaring 
cataract ; he would fain mount the lightning's 
wing, and ride on the storm, where cloud above 
clouds piled in awful grandeur, are borne on by the 
furious tempest, wheeling, darkening, bursting in 
terrific warfare. The gathering of martial hosts, 
the collision of mighty armies, the glitteiing of 
warlike steel, the covulsions of falling empires, the 
heaving ocean, and the sweeping tornado rush on 
him with bewildering pleasure. 

But what boots it all, though romance shed 
around us her golden dreams — dreams bright as 
an Italian- sky — though song in heavenly harmony 



A. H. HURD. 185 

pour her numbers on the soul : though the mind 
has ranged the boundless fields of science, and 
dived deep into the dark recesses of hidden thought, 
has drunk from every classic rill, and gathered a 
pearl from every grotto of the muses; has sported 
with the sublimities of nature till philosophy has 
no secrets, religion no mysteries, and poetry no 
vestal shrine ? What boots it all if man be not 
immortal? if man be but a pampered fading to 
feast the gay revelers of the tomb? Oh! these 
bright visions are but the gilding of life's clouds 
with the transient beams of that fancy, which is so 
soon to be extinguished forever ! It is but the 
hectic flush which bodes eternal paleness. 

But devotion has loftier aspirations. Not sated 
withdecyphering the counsels of eternal goodness, 
inscribed on every page of nature's great volume ; 
with tracing the laws by which the great architect 
constructed and regulates this complicate machine ; 
with reading in every stratum of rock the hand 
writing of eternal wisdom ; with seeing in every 
flower the pencil ings of nature's great master ; and 
from the minutest fibre up to the 'fearfully and 
wonderfully' wrought frame of man ; from the 
feeblest insect, to the mightiest orb of heaven, dis- 
covering the wisdom, and providence of the creator, 
and feeling in every step that he moves, and 
breathes and talks with God; he purposes to take 
18 



186 memoir or 

another step, to leap the scanty limits of time, and 
prove by perpetual bliss, that the only source of 
pure, spiritual, exalting pleasure, is a virtuous 
immortality." 

The reader will already have seen that Mr, 
Hurd possessed the essential characteristics of a 
poet, and had he turned his attention particularly 
to this department of literature, there is little doubt 
that he would have secured no contemptible emi- 
nence. But few and short were his visits to the 
muse. Yet among the pieces which have fallen 
into our hands there are several which breathe the 
true poetic spirit, one of which we select as a spe- 
cimen. It was written somewhere about this pe- 
riod of his life, that is, during his Junior year in 
college, but in what pait of it we cannot say. 

Battle of Fort Mystic. 

"Slowly the midnight shades withdrew, 
And gently fell the morning dew, 
As radiant, twinkling, brauteous, lone 
Fair Venus rising, brightly shone; 
While o'er the east, in varied hues, 
Aurora's beams their light diffuse, 
And shooting o'er the azure sky 
Tinge it with deep vermilion dye: 
While clouds their ample robes unfold — 



A. K. HURD. 187 

With borders richly dyed in gold. 

All nature calmly hushed in sleep, 

Reposed upon the phcid deep, 

And not a breeze the silence broke, 

Nor yet the forest choir had woke: 

But all was lulled in balmy rest, 

Like infant on its mother's breast ; — 

There, 'neath the dark and lonely wood, 

In armour clad the Pilgrim stood : — 

" A fearless, firm, and holy band, 

Commissioned by the Almighty's hand,"* 

To scourge Columbia's sable race, 

And blot from earth their dwelling place. 

To heaven they raised one ardent prayer, 

Then with a calm, majestic air 

In slow and solemn pace they moved, 

As to the grave of one beloved. 

Nor drum, nor fife, nor clarion sound, 

Disturbed the peace that reigned around ; 

The poplar's leaf seemed scarce to shake, 

And lightest tread o'er tangled brake 

Caused e'en the brave to start aside, 

So still and calm was all beside. 

The warwhoop's note had died away, 

As near approached the dawning day. 

The revel wild, teriflc yell 

And battle song which shook the dell, 

* Nut the sentiment of the writer. 



bO MEMOIR OF 

In lowly murmurs sank to peace 
And weary dancers sought their ease. 
Quiet they slept as in the grave, 
While onward came the warriors brave ; 
Nor dreamed they once, how near the foe ; 
How vain would twang their battle bow: 
How soon would moulder in that place, 
The wasted remnant of their race. 
They dreamed of battles nobly won, 
And heard the ' pale face'' wail her son ; 
In triumph bore the trembling maid, 
Through forest, glen, or lonely glade : 
They saw the hamlet's midnight glare, ^ 
And heard the voice of fell despair, > 

And joyful rushed the spoil to share ; ) 
As dragged to forests drear and wild, 
A widowed wife or orphan child, 
And lighted up the hellish fire, 
To glut their more than demon's ire : 
While loudly rang their voice of glee. 
At hopeless, nameless misery. 

They saw the whiteman's power decay; 
His race and dwelling waste away, 
While o'er their mouldering ruins grew 
The sturdy oak and cheerless yew. 
They saw the last of Europe's race, 
Go down to death's dark dwelling place; 
And joyful on his grave's lone verge, 



A. H. KURD. 189 

They chanted forth his funeral dirge. 

Bright was their dream but swift it sped, 

While fury 1 s storm, burst on their head. 

: T\vas as the sun's last gleaming ray, 

That twinkles, at the close of day, 

Then sinks behind the rolling cloud, 

That wraps the earth in sable shroud ; 

Or like consumption's hectic bloom 

That bodes the paleness of the tomb. 

Their slumbers fled, and they awoke 

To face the carnage-dealing stroke, 

While on them rolled in vengeful ire, 

A stream of life-devouring fire; 

And forward rushed the pilgrim band 

Bestowing death with liberal hand. 

Then roused the chief, with fury stung, 

And shrill his cry through forest rung, 

While from his bow with lightning's speed 

Flew thick and sure the fatal reed ; 

And from each shrub, and tree, and bush 

Like hellish fiends, his warriors rush ; 

And on that brave Spartanic band, 

Hurled back the shot with faultless hand. 

One step recoiled that valiant few ; 

Then to their charge in fury flew, 

And with the tempest's sweeping might, 

Bore back the sable sons of night. 

In foremost rank brave Mason stood, 
13* 



190 MEMOIR OF 

And free his sword drank Indian blood : 
Nor ever dealt his arm a blow, 
But 'neath it sunk the white man's foe. 
Still fought the Pequots long- and well, 
And wildly rang their chieftain's yell ; 
As with the tiger's fiendish glare, 
His dark eye, gleaming with despair, 
He grasped his axe, and with his might 
Flew to the thickest of the fight,— 
Adjured his warriors, still to save 
Their land, or meet a common grave. 
Like thunder's note the muskets peal; 
Like lightning gleams the brandished steel; 
While through the distant, lonely glen, 
Is heard the moans of dying men ; 
Or o'er the widely spreading vale, 
The breezes waft the widow's wail ; 
Or from the mountain's cragged height, 
Is echoed back the noisy fright ; 
Or long the ocean's dashing shore, 
Is borne the battle's mingled roar. 
Then with a fierce and desperate hand, 
Bold Mason seized the burning brand ; 
And, as the flames in fury sped, 
And gathered o'er the Pequot's head, 
And onward rushed in nimble flight, 
Wrapping the fort in streaming light ; 
While rolled aloft the curling smoke, 



A. H. HURD. 191 

Circling above the pine and oak, 

And mantling, like the darkling cloud, 

The hill and vale in mourning shroud; 

From out the conflagration's glare, 

Was heard the voice of keen despair ; 

For there the child, the mother, sire, 

Were doomed to meet their funeral pyre. 

But yesterday we saw his place, 

The fortress of a valiant race ; 

A race, whose bow ne'er bent in vain, 

Oft drank the blood of warrior slain ; 

A race whose heart ne'er shrunk from fear, 

Whose eye ne'er melted with a tear. 

For centuries long the hemlock rose, 

And spread his boughs to bleaching snows ; 

Defies the tempest's riving shock, 

Nor moves, but stands like mountain rock, 

While round his trunk and branches, twine 

The slender shrub and circling vine. 

The whirlwind came. The lightning's glare 

Gleamed madly on the lurid air, 

Then bolt and blast with fury driven, 

Burst on the trunk in sunder riven, 

Till crushed, and rent, and scathed, it fell. 

But who would deign its tale to tell? 

So sunk the Pequot's noble race, 
Nor marks a stone their burial place. 
They sleep beneath a single grave, 



192 MEMOIR OF 

While dark oblivion's cheerless wave 
Sweeps o'er their dust. Beneath that spot, 
Their bones, their names, their actions rot — 
Nor they alone ; but all who bear 
The Indian form, seem doomed to share 
A kindred fate. They're swept by death, 
As with consumption's poisoning breath. 
As fades with frost the wild heath flower, 
So wastes away the Indian's power ; 
And, as the flower its fragrance yields 
To deserts wild, and sterile fields ; 
So he with soul divinely framed, 
Breathes forth his life, unwept, unnamed : 
Cast forth like autumn's withered leaf, 
He moves no love, awakes no grief. — 
Oh ! Why shall tears for others flow, 
Nor eyes be moist at Indian's woe? 
Could J but pen one deathless line, 
That, Child of Nature, that were thine. 



CHAPTER XIII. 

Flattering offers — Theological Class — Missiona- 
ry Lyceum — Essays. 

At the commencement of the spring term 1836, 
)Mr. Hurd resumed his place in the University. 



A. H. HURD. 



193 



As usual lie entered upon the duties with great ardor, 
and soon found himself loaded with engagements 
too onerous for his constitution to sustain. The proof 
of the integrity of his motives, as well as of the ardor 
of his thirst for knowledge, received at this time, 
additional confirmation. He received several flat- 
tering and advantageous offers of employment as a 
teacher ; one from Cazenovia, where he was well 
known and appreciated ; and one from the Augusta 
High School, in the State of Maine. The latter 
held out the prospect of a permanent situation, with 
a handsome salary. But when he might have thus 
relieved himself from all embarrassment, and se- 
cured a place of great respectability and indepen- 
dance, he preferred to toil on and grapple with dif- 
ficulties, taking for his present consolation, exhilera- 
ting draughts from the fount of Helicon, and re- 
freshing his soul with the hopes of greater happi- 
ness and usefulness in futurity. 

Writing to a friend, he says in reference to de- 
clining one of these offers, " You know my in- 
flexibility in every thing pertaining to an education. 
To obtain A. B. simply, never was an object with 
me. I wish not so much the sign, as the thing 
signified. Already my education has been broken 
into so many fragments, that there is nothing like 
a whole about it. Of the modern languages, I have 
none, save a smattering of French. I wish to stu- 



194 MEMOIR OF 

dy German and Italian at least. In the natural 
sciences, I am very deficient, and in the Belles 
Lettres department, still more so. Now the com- 
ing year is one in which I feel that I must lay a 
foundation, if ever, for my literary character. I 
want the training of College. I must have disci- 
pline, rigid, severe discipline ; or my wild, incoher- 
ent, extravagant mode of thinking, will never be 
chastened down, so as to render me useful to the 
world." 

In one of Mr. Hurd's former letters to his friend 
Mr. Caldwell, he mentions a Theological Class or 
Society, in the Wesleyan University. This is a 
voluntary association, composed of such young men 
as have a view to the Christian ministry. They 
meet together once a week, under the direction of 
the President, for improvement in theological 
knowledge, and such subjects as have immediate 
reference to their contemplated pursuits. Part of the 
exercises on these occasions, consists in reading 
original essays on some selected subject, upon 
which the presiding officer makes his observations, 
and then receiving the pieces, corrects them and re- 
turns them at the next meeting. During the ab- 
sence of Dr. Fisk in Europe, this office devolved 
on the writer of this little volume, and in this capa- 
city he received and corrected Mr. Llurd's compo- 
sitions, who was at this time a member of the class. 



A. H. KURD. 195 

Several of these essays are now before me, from 
which we select two, as specimens of his didactic 
and argumentative style, as well as of the sound- 
ness of judgment, and clearness of thought, which 
marked his mental character. 

Repentance^ 

As this subject lies at the foundation of all right 
christian practice, there cannot be too much care 
bestowed upon obtaining a correct understand- 
ing of it. We shall therefore 1st, Explain the na- 
ture of evangelical Repentance: 2dly, Point 
out its originating cause; and 3dly, Inquire into 
ultimate design, or final cause. 

I. Repentance in general, signifies sorrow for 
any past act. In an evangelical sense, it implies, 
that conviction, and sorrow for sin, which leads to 
its sincere renouncement. By conviction I mean, 
a true discovery of the nature of sin, and a persua- 
sion of personnl, individual guilt. Without the 
former, the mind may be terrified and alarmed at an 
indefinite and vague idea of criminality and dan- 
ger ; and without the latter, there may be clear con- 
ceptions of the turpitude of sin in the abstract; but 
it it is only when the two are united, and the mind 
discovering the " exceeding sinfulness of sin," feels 
its own personal defilement, that the man can truly 
say, " I have sinned!" " Wherefore I abhor my- 



196 MEMOIR OF 

self, and repent in dust and ashes." Genuine con* 
viclion is usually accompanied by sorrow: by 
which I mean, (not necessarily "the sorrow of 
death'' and " the pangs of hell," as the Psalmest 
has it,) but a sincere regret, and a desire to make an 
atonement for the wrong that is past, with a fixed 
resolution to avoid it for the future. It is not so 
much a feeling of terror, and fearful foreboding of 
future woe, as of humiliating and mortifying an- 
guish for present guilt. The language of true re- 
pentance is; "What shall I render unto thee," 
Lord, for "against thee and thee only have I sin- 
ned and done this evil in thy sight ?" The indigni- 
ty offered to the Divine law, which will be per- 
ceived to be "holy, just and good ;" and the ingrati- 
tude showed to the Creator and Redeemer, who 
will be viewed as " long suffering, and merciful ;" 
and the moral defilement of the image of God in 
his own person, will generally so absorb the feel- 
ings of the true penitent, as scarcely to permit a 
thought of his individual danger. In some cases 
there may be fearful disclosures of divine wrath, 
and awful shudderings at the thought of hell ; but, 
while these things may exist with repentance, yet, 
they should not be made an essential part of it, nor 
should it be forgotton that they may exist where . 
true repentance is not ; nay, more, where true re- 
pentence never can be. If we mistake not, then, 



A. H. HURD. 197 

this primary grace of the christian character, con- 
sists 1st, In a correct view of sin ; 2d, In a sense of 
personal guilt ; 3d, In sincere regret for past crimes. 
4th, In hatred of sin, as such, without reference to 
its punishment ; 5th, A determination to forsake 
sin ; and 6th, In deep humiliation and contrition of 
spirit before God. 

II. We are to point out the originating cause of 
repentance. 1st, Some have attributed it to the 
mere mercy of God, without any reference to a vi- 
carious sacrifice. It appears to us that there is an 
impropriety in this ; for either Repentance was de- 
signed to restore the offender to favor, and prevent 
the execution of the law ; or it was not. If it was, 
then the Law giver, made provision for the inevi- 
table defeat of the claims of his own law; but if 
not, then it meets none of the exigencies of the 
case, but leaves the sinner, although repentant, 
without hope, or pardon. Such a course of con- 
duct, (we would speak it reverently) seems to us too 
weak and ridiculous, to be attributed, even to a hu- 
man legislator. 2d, It has been said that Repen- 
tance originates entirely in the innate moral ability 
of man. Now this seems quite as far from truth 
as the other; for 1st, it is subject to the same diffi- 
culties ; it either subverts all law, or it accomplish- 
es no worthy purpose whatever, 2d, It destroys the 
idea of inherent depravity. We are therefore led 
19 



198 MEMOIR OF 

to embrace, as the only rational system, that which 
is made known in the Holy Scriptures, viz. that 
the atonement of Jesus Christ is its true originating 
cause. Thus St. Luke informs us that, M It behov- 
ed Christ to suffer, &c ; that repentance and remis- 
sion of sins, might be preached in his name," &c. 
Here repentance is placed on the same ground as 
remission of sins, and both are referred to the death 
and resurrection of Christ for their origin. Again 
we are told, that " God hath exalted Him, (i. e. 
Christ,) to be a Prince and a Saviour, to give re- 
pentance unto Israel ;" and it is in view of this 
same truth, that the inspired penman, in speaking 
of the preaching of the gospel among the Gen- 
tiles, says "then has God granted repentance un- 
to" them also. But it may be thought, that this 
view of the subject relieves man from the respon- 
sibility of repentance. Wc answer no. It increas- 
es that responsibility ; " for the grace of God, 
which bringeth salvation, has appeared unto all 
men";" the " Spirit of truth has come and convin- 
ced the world of sin;" "that light which enlight- 
ens every man that comes into the world," has 
shined into the sinner's conscience, and it remains 
for man to decide " whether he will be drawn un- 
to" Christ, or whether he will choose darkness ra- 
ther than light, and " resisting the Holy Ghost" 



A. H. HURD. 199 

will " work cut his own" damnation with greedi- 
ness. 

III. We are to inquire into the ultimate design, 
or object of repentance. It has been thought that 
it changes the moral relation of the sinner to his 
God ; and renders it morally right and fit that par- 
don should be bestowed, without any farther satis- 
faction. Now this view of the question, however 
plausible, is sufficiently refuted by the constitution 
of our natures, and by the ordinary course of Pro- 
vidence. It is not mere repentance that will save a 
man from drinking the bitter cup, mingled by his 
own folly and crimes ; nor will this alone repair 
the injury he has done to others, or restore the mor- 
al order and harmony which he has disturbed. 
There are, then, many reasons why sin should not 
be pardoned merely on the ground of Repentance. 
1st, This very doctrine assumes it as morally un- 
just, and unfit to pardon the impenite?it. If so, 
then we can see no cause that will justify the be- 
stowment of pardon, merely because the offender 
has become penitent. A mere change in the mind 
can not affect the moral character of former ac- 
tions, it can not annul the claims of Divine justice; 
it can not place the guilty on the same ground as 
the innocent ; it can not answer the end of moral 
discipline ; and it affords no security whatever, 
against future transgressions. This sentiment 



200 MEMOIR OF 

would confound all distinctions between moral right 
and wrong, between sin and holiness ; for it makes 
guilt, or at least, exposure to punishment for guilt, 
to exist not in moral action, but in want of peni- 
tence, and in that alone. 2d, This doctrine anni- 
hilates all law; for law that has no sanctions, and 
may be thwarted every moment in its operations, is 
no law. But this sentiment would enable the of- 
fender to arrest the arm of Divine justice ; to pre- 
vent the execution of merited punishment ; and to 
evade the righteous penalty denounced upon his 
own crimes. According to this system, there is no 
consolation offered to undeviating virtue, which may 
not be claimed, by the daring and heaven provoking 
offender ; for the very moment that vengeance over- 
takes him in his course of crime, he has but to 
repent, and he escapes at once from the hands of 
the executioner. But it may be asked, what then is 
the office and design of repentance ? We answer. 
1 st, It arises necessarily from the very nature of 
the case. It would be a moral impossibility for the 
sinner to see himself as he is, and return to God 
without deep, genuine contrition of heart. 2d, It is 
necessary to bring the mind into a proper state to 
receive that pardon, and justification which has al- 
ready been purchased, and is now fully offered. 
Without this breaking down and subduing, the 
" mind is at enmity against God, is not subject to 



A. H. HURD. 201 

his law, neither indeed can be." It rejects the offers 
of mercy, to its own destruction. In this view of 
the subject, no right is relinquished, no claims 
of the law set aside, but *■ Christ has suffered the 
just for the unjust;" the government of Heaven 
stands unimpaired; and the sinner is invited, nay 
prepared by the Divine Spirit, to repent, not to 
make an atonement for his sins, but to receive their 
" remission through the blood of a crucified Re- 
deemer; and while the Spirit calls, it gives no en- 
couragement to delay, no consoling promise to the 
sinner, as does the other system, but it says " to 
dap 11 " now" " I will not always strive" &c. 

Sanctification . 

That the gospel makes a distinction between 
Justification and Sanctification, is too evident to need 
proof; and that it promises entire deliverence from 
sin, and a complete renewal of the soul " after the 
image of God," is a truth not disputed by any. 
But, as to the time this great work is to be wrought, 
there have been different opinions. Some warmly 
contend that is not attainable in the present life. 
To this theory there seem to be insuperable objec- 
tions. 1st, It supposes either an inability or an un- 
willingness in God to save from sin here, even 
though the Christian long for deliverance, and 

" thirst after righteousness," as doubtless every gen- 
19* 



202 MEMOIR OF 

uine Christian will. 2d, It seems to imply, that 
sin is a necessary result of the soul's connection 
with the body. But the Scriptures teach us plainly 
that sin has its origin, not in our physical, but in 
our spiritual being ; and indeed common reflection 
would appear sufficient to teach us the same fact. 
" Sin is the transgression of the law," and it is from 
the "heart that proceed evil thoughts," and almost 
all the sins that man commits. Furthermore, ma- 
ny sins are purely of a spirtual nature. Such are 
" pride, envy, malice, hatred to God, &c." 

And to suppose sin to result, necessarily, from a 
connection of the mind with matter, is to charge the 
Creator with placing us under circumstances, in 
which sin is unavoidable ; a supposition which 
seems to destroy the very idea of sin. 3d, This 
doctrine must make provision for admission into 
Heaven in an unholy state, or for some change of 
moral character after death. The former idea is 
plainly repugnant to the word of God ; which 
says, that " without holiness no man shall see the 
Lord," and that " nothing impure or unholy" shall 
enter into that sacred place. Nor is the latter less 
at variance with the general testimony of Scripture. 
" We shall receive according to the things done in 
the body" when we stand "at the judgment seat 
of Christ," not for repentance, or works after death. 
4th, The oracles of Truth no where intimate that 



A. H. HURD. 203 

deliverance from sin shall be accomplished at 
death, nor after the soul has passed the bounds of 
its temporal probation. From these and many 
other reasons, we infer that if man be sanctified at 
all, it must be in the present life. But, let it be un- 
derstood, that by entire salvation from sin, we do 
not mean impeccability ; nor do we mean a deliv- 
erance from temptation. Even Adam sinned, and 
H angels kept not their first estate ;" therefore, " let 
him that thinketh he standeth, take heed lest he 
fall." Christ himself was not free from buffetings ; 
and certainly, " the disciple is not above his Lord." 
Nay, we do not mean that the Christian can acquire 
the "perfection" of a naturally upright being, who 
stands strong in his native innocence, with powers 
uncorrupted and unimpaired by former transgres- 
sions. But this we mean that he should be made 
H perfect in love, 11 that " his eye should be single ;" 
that his entire soul should become the "temple of 
the Holy Ghost;" and that his emotions, thoughts, 
words and actions, should be governed by a strict 
regard to the will, and pleasure of Heaven. Nor 
have the Scriptures left this important question in 
the dark. Nay, we think they have made it quite 
plain ; so that " the wayfaring man though a fool, 
need not err therein." 

This appears, 1st From the object of Christ's 
mission ; viz : " to save his people from their sins ;" 



204 MEMOIR OF 

"to purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous 
of good works ;" and to set an example, " that they 
might follow his steps," that " as he is" so they 
might be " in this world" 2d, From the intimate 
relations under which Christ and his followers are 
mentioned. " I am the vine ; ye arc the branch- 
es ;" " Christ dwelleth in you." " Your bodies are 
the members of Christ ; w " I will dwell in you, and 
walk in you." And a variety of other similar ex- 
pressions are made use of, to point the intimate con- 
nexion between the Savior and the saved. Now to 
suppose the latter are not and can not be made holy 
here, is to conceive a strange blending " of light 
with darkness," and mingling of " righteousness 
with unrighteousness; and reconciling of Christ with 
Belial." But no, the Savior has already settled this 
point, " Ye can not serve two masters." 3d, The 
gospel is explicit in its requinments. " Be ye per- 
fect even as your Father which is in heaven is per- 
fect." And pray, in what can this perfection con- 
sist, but in the purity of love, and holiness of heart? 
'• Be ye holy for I am holy." And can this injunc- 
tion be obeyed while the subject of it sins every 
day, yea, every hour of his being ? " Thou shalt 
love the Lord thy God with all thy soul, mind, and 
strength." Surely where such love exists there 
must be moral purity, and such love may exist here, 
or the Savior would never have required it Oh ! 



A. H. HURD. 205 

who but pants to prove this gospel fullness, to ob- 
tain entire redemption: 

ifc To sink into the purple flood, 
And rise to all the life of God ? M 

The promises of the gospel are quite as clear, 
that the Christian shall be sanctified here. Thus 
the Lord by the mouth of Ezekiei says, " I will 
sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean; 
from all your Idols will I cleanse you." "A new 
heart will I give unto you, and a new spirit will I 
put within you," &c. Ezekiei xxxvi. 25. " If we 
confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us 
our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteous- 
ness;" says the inspired John; and again, "the 
blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth from all unrighte- 
ousness." And this same writer expressly says 
that he that has the Christian hope in him, "puri- 
fieth himself, even as Christ is pure." And that this 
refers to the present life is manifest, because it is 
mentioned as taking place now ; and while he is 
yet a chi'd of hope, not admitted to that state of in- 
effable enjoyment, 

l * Where faith is sweetly lost in sight, 
And hope in full supreme delight." 

5th, The prayers of the inspired writers, are 
quite enough to satisfy our miud on this subject. 
Thus the Apostle prays: " I pray God your whole 



206 MEMOIR OF 

spirit, soul and body be preserved blameless unto 
the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 ' &c. 1 Thes. 
v. 23. And again we hear him uttering language 
like this. " And this I pray, that your love may 
abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all 
judgment ; that ye maybe sincere and without of- 
fence till the day of Chist, being filled with the fruits 
of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ." &c. 
Now if the Apostle understood his own language, I 
can see no way to avoid the conclusion that he be- 
lieved in a present, complete salvation from sin. 
For he not only speaks of the entire sanctification 
of " soul, spirit, and body," but of a " preservation 
in this state until the coming of Christ." But when 
we consider him as "moved by the Holy Ghost," 
we must believe that it is possible, and not only pos- 
sible, but absolutely essential that the Christian 
should be " filled with all the fullness of God," and 
that u the righteousness of the law should be ful- 
filed," in him walking "not after the flesh, but 
after the Spirit." 

Mr. Hurd was also a member of the Missionary 
Lyceum connected with the University, and for 
some time was its corresponding secretary. The 
object of the members of this association is to ex- 
tend their knowledge of missionary operations, 
and foster in their bosoms the missionary spirit. 
They meet together semi-monthly. They debate 



A. H. KURD. 207 

subjects relating to the cause of missions, receive 
communications from abroad, and hear original es- 
says from such as are appointed to write. 

The christian reader, if we mistake not, will be 
gratified by the perusal of the following essays 
from Mr. Hurd's pen. They contain important 
thoughts, and serve to illustrate both the character 
of the writer, and the nature of the essays read 
before the Lyceum. The former of these is the 
paper on Canadian Missions, to which reference 
was made near the commencement of this work. 

Report on the Indian Missions in 
Canada. 

In reporting on the Indian Missions in Canada, 
I shall be obliged to speak more from personal 
knowledge, than from written documents, although 
I have availed myself of the aid of the latter. Till 
1823, the natives of Canada were literally " sitting 
in the region and shadow of death." Their souls 
were dying for want of knowledge, and their bod- 
ies with diseases engendered by debaucheries and 
dissipation. Drunkenness was their national sin; 
and none, no, not one of them was free from its 
contagion. As a natural consequence it extinguish- 
ed every sense of morality and gave birth to every 
species of crime. To gratify his propensity for 
strong drink, the Indian would sell the last gar* 



208 MEMOIR OF 

merit from his body; he would rob his wretched 
cabin of the last article of comfort, and leave his 
tender offspring to starve and perish with the cold. 
Thus cast forth " like the cubs of the hill fox," with 
no hand to provide for them, the children resorted 
to theft, to stay the gnawings of hunger ; and dis- 
honesty, to them became a virtue, and crime a ne- 
cessity. Thus trained up from infancy, deception 
and craftiness, and fraud were the chief virtues of 
the Indian character. The natural ties of consan- 
guinity had no place in his bosom ; filial reverence 
constituted no part of his character : and paternal 
tenderness was an emotion unknown to him. The 
charms of domestic life were banished from his so- 
ciety ; and she, who should have been the partner 
of his joys, was but a menial slave, and the object 
of his unfeeling barbarities. Polygamy was com- 
mon ; divorces frequent ; and the consequence was 
that chastity was no virtue, and debauchery no 
vice. From a state of society like this, where the 
children owed nothing to their parents, and parents 
hoped nothing from their children, nothing could be 
expected but the most savage cruelty on the one 
hand, and recklessness and irreverence on the other. 
Accordingly we have known the infatuated Indian 
mother, take the tender infant from her bosom and 
attempt to consign it to the flames; or in the hour 
of cool blood, with deliberate malice, blow out the 



A. H. HURD. 209 

brains of her older offspring. But such cases were 
rare, and indeed more so than we could well have 
expected from the state in which they lived. For 
the Indian's state, in one word wes "a personifica- 
tion of woe." He was wronged and deceived by 
the whites; allured by them to dissipation ; stript of 
his all ; and then sent forth naked and starving to 
the forest, with no return for his property, or furs, 
save the poisonous cup of "fire waters," which 
consigned his body to a premature grave, and his 

soul but I leave the thought. But oh! my 

mind shudders when I think of the cup of death 
mingled by the hands of my countrymen, which 
this unfortunate. people have drunken to the dregs. 
If there be justice in heaven; if wrongs have an 
avenger there; and if the cry of the Indian's blood 
can find admittance, an awful storm of wrath 
must somewhere burst on the corrupters and de- 
stroyers of that once noble race. But I am di- 
gressing from the subject. 

In the year above mentioned, a ray of heavenly 
light shone upon these benighted tribes. But I 
should say, however, that some time previous to 
this, there had been missionaries of the established 
church occasionally among the Mohawks, settled 
on the GrandRiver, and also among the same tribe 
settled on the Bay of Q,uinty. But still in a moral 

point of view their converts were but one remove 
20 



210 MEMOIR OF 

above their brethren in a savage state ; indeed, 
they were quite as dissipa'ed, as dishonest, and as 
degraded, with very few exceptions. Perhaps three 
or four might have been found, lone, solitary stars, 
gleaming with a brilliant but feeble light, in the 
midst of this general gloom. Miss Brandt, now 
Mrs. Kem, was a rare example of personal accom- 
plishment and of devotedness to the cause of Chris- 
tianity. 

In 1822, the Genesee Conference sent out Mr. 
Torry to labor about the Grand River, with a view 
of introducing the gospel among the Mohawks. 
His field of labor on and about the Grand River, 
embraced a circuit of about tne hundred and forty 
miles in circumference, including the Delaware 
Indians near the mouth of the river, and several of 
the Mohawk tribes further up. About fifty miles 
up the river was the village, where the form of re- 
ligion was partially observed by the reading of 
prayers, either by a clergyman, or by a native ap- 
pointed for this purpose. Mr. Torry's labors were 
successful; some souls were hopefully converted 
both among the whites and the natives. But it was 
not, I think, till the next year that the spirit began 
to move powerfully on that dark abyss. Then 
God said " let there be light and there was light.' 1 
At this time a pious and excellent young man nam- 
ed Seth Crawford, devoted himself to the service of 



A. H. HURD. 211 

the Indians, and began to study the Mohawk lan- 
guage. He was an instrument of much good 
to this people. This young man in a letter to 
Elder Case, who was the great pioneer of the work 
of missions in Canada, says, " about the first who 
appeared deeply concerned about their souls, were 
two women. They both found peace, and their 
families with them, became joyful in God. On the 
27th of July" he says, "when one of our brethren 
came to hold meeting among them, during singing 
and prayer, there was much melting of heart and 
fervency throughout the assembly ; some trembled 
and wept, others sunk to the floor, and there was' a 
cry for mercy through the congregation. Some 
cried ' Chemanetoo ! Kitta maugese che muche 
nesne, &c.' — Great Good Spirit! I am very poor 
and wicked — Others were encouraging the peni- 
tents: others rejoicing over their converted neigh- 
bors," and so on. I wish I had time to make large 
extracts, but suffice it to say, they had a pentecost, 
and many were filled with the 'new w T ine' of the 
kingdom. This work continued to prosper and 
spread, but not without opposition. Many found 
that ' their craft was in danger,' and if this work 
was suffered to go on, ' turning the world upside 
down,' they w r ould shortly have no market for 
their poison. But what could they do? Their 
efforts to quench this rising and spreading flame, 



212 MEMOIR OF 

were fruitless, as they were diabolical ! The fin- 
ger of the Almighty was there, giving speed and 
energy to the work, and the breath of his spirit 
was fanning that sacred fire. The congregation 
continued to increase. A Sabbath School was soon 
commenced. Another revival commenced about 
this time, in another place about twelve miles from 
the mouth of the river. Quite a number turned 
from sin and satan unto God and found peace in 
believing. Brother Torry says, in a letter written 
at this time, " Oh, I could endure hunger, or sit 
down thankfully to their humble fare, or lie down 
in Indian wigwams all my life, to be employed in 
such a work as this ;" aye and how many mission- 
aries have said and felt the same, and have found a 
sweeter repose on the cold ground of Autum, with 
no shelter but heaven's vaults, than ever they enjoy- 
ed on a bed of down. 

This year Peter Jones who had been a subject of 
the revival, began to exercise his talents occasion- 
ally among his brethren in public, and he soon be- 
came eminently useful. Elder Case, who was 
then Presiding Elder, visited the Indians on his 
tours around his district, and preached to them with 
great effect ; and from this time began to feel so 
lively an interest in the salvation of this people, 
that he spared no pains, and counted no toils in 
hunting them up and pointing them to the Lamb of 



A. H. HURD. 213 

God. On the 17th of November, a week day- 
school was opened in the house of the chief, at the 
Grand River, under the care of Mr. Crawford. 
This gave new impu'se to the work, which then 
appeared to be declining; and soon again the cry 
of penitence, and the groans of the distressed, and 
the shoutsof 'newborn souls' were heard. Chil- 
dren and parents were seen flocking to the altar of 
mercy together, and together embracing that sal- 
vation which is ' life, and health, and peace.' 

In 1825, the work commenced among the Mis* 
sissaugahs, a tribe of the Chippaways, the most 
indolent, filthy, and degraded of these sons of the 
forest. One of these Chiefs, a relative of Peter 
Jones, attended the meetings at the Grand River ; 
became awakened and converted. Others were 
induced to attend, and through the pious labors of 
Peter and the converted Chief, were brought out 
of darkness, into the marvellous light of the gos- 
pel. They abandoned ardent spirits, united with 
the Church, and became examples of devout and 
consistent piety. Then indeed the Lord " wrought 
a work that you would in no wise believe, though 
a man should declare it unto you ;" nay, it was diffi- 
cult to believe one's own scnsrs, so great was the 
change. This same year the gospel was carried 
to the Delawares and Chippaways, settled at Mun- 

cey Town. This work commenced under Mr Ca- 
20* 



214 MEMOIR OF 

rey, a pious young man, from Schoharrie, New 
York, who visited these tribes, and offered to be- 
come their instructor, without any prospect of pe- 
cuniary reward. This, Brethren, is the true mis- 
sionary spiiit. Tha Indians listened to his propo- 
sals ; some were favorable, others not. But he com- 
menced his School, though under very unauspi- 
cious circumstances. The Indians here were nei- 
ther Pagan, nor Christian ; but had a corrupt mix- 
ture of Paganism, Roman Catholicism, and Pro- 
testantism. But their notions of religion and morals 
were exceedingly sensual and corrupt. This sta- 
tion has labored under as many difficulties, per- 
haps, as any other, but still it has struggled through 
every impediment, and is now in a flourishing 
condition. One of the principal laborers in this 
part of the field, has been brother Thomas Hurlburt, 
who suffered almost every privation, and endured 
almost every trial in endeavoring to bring this peo- 
ple into the pure light of Christianity. He is still 
in the field, has learned their language, and preach- 
es to them readily in their own tongue. Oh ! what 
a noble example to see a young man in the bloom of 
life, foregoing the pleasures of civilized society, 
burying himself in the wilds of the forest; becom- 
ing a companion of the untutored savage ; sharing 
in all the toils, and sufferings of the homeless wan- 
derer of the woods ; and facing the storm and the 



A, H. KURD. 215 

tempest, without a shelter, and frequently without 
food, to carry the bread of life to souls that are 
perishing ! 

This year (1825) Elder Case, who had been very 
active in the Missionary cause, was removed to the 
Bay of Q,uinty District ; but on his way from Con- 
ference, he visited the Mississaugahs, who had em- 
braced Christianity, and were then encamped at the 
Credit, and fcund them still eager to hear the " word 
of life." He preached to them in their " bush 
chapel" which they erected, as a place in which to 
worship. It w r as made of tall bushes standing 
erect in a circular form ; the large end made fast in 
the ground, and the tops bending nearly together 
overhead; and seated with broken fragments of 
boards gathered from the river. It was indeed, a 
rude building, but then it was a bethel. And how 
often I have felt in a similar one, as Jacob did, 
when he said " Surely this is the house of God, 
and the Gate of Heaven." "After an affectionate 
parting," says Elder Case, "in which we took each 
other by the hand, and mutually promised to pray 
for each other, I left the ground with many pleas- 
ing reflections on the happy changes the Lord had 
wrought among this people." Peter Jones was 
left to labor among his brethren here. Encoura- 
ged by Government, this tribe settled at the Credit, 
twenty miles from Toronto ; where twenty houses 



216 MEMOIR or 

were erected for them, at the expense of the Gov- 
ernment. School was commenced among them ; 
and they now began to apply themselves to agricul- 
ture and the arts of civilization. And it is surpri- 
sing what rapid improvement, they have made in 
this respect. It is hardly credible by one who has 
not been an eye witness of the facts. But Mr. 
Case, though removed from the field where he had 
labored with so much pleasure and success, was 
by no means indifferent to the cause. " He began" 
(to use his own language, as near as I can recol- 
lect it,) "to feel the loss of the Indian meetings, 
and his incessant prayer was, that the Lord would 
begin a work among the Indians, on the frontiers of 
his District." For this he prayed and wept, and 
it was not in vain. The reformation commenced 
among the Belville Indians, in number about 130, 
an so completely was the kingdom of satan over- 
turned, that not a servant was left to go and tell the 
news. This tribe settled on Grape Island, where 
they erected dwellings for themselves, a Missiona- 
ry house, School House and Chapel, in a manner 
which showed that Christianity was calculated not 
only to elevate the moral character, but to improve 
the taste, and the industrious habits of the people. 
This has been one of the most flourishing of the 
Canadian Missions. It was for some years under 
the special direction of Elder Case. The teacher 



A. H. HURD. 



217 



who first commenced a School at this station, was 
Mr. Berham — a man whose zeal and piety gave 
him great influence among the natives, and who 
has since been eminently useful in enlarging the 
field of labor, and in establishing a Mission School 
on Seeguno- river, on the borders of Lake Huron. 
The Grape Island station, is now under the care of 
Mr. Sylvester Hurlbut, a man in every way quali- 
fied to be useful there ; a man of deep experience, 
of undeviating perseverance, of inflexible stern- 
ness, of unimpeachable integrity, and of prompt, 
resolute action. He has been there for four years 
past. From the Belville Indians, the work spread 
to those about Kingston ; then to the north west, 
among the tribes on the Rice, Mud and Schoogog 
Lakes. And oh! what a change ! It was now 
tliat the valley of the dry bones was visited, and 
the spirit of God breathed upon the bones, and they 
lived; and an exceeding great army was raised up 
from those who were "twice dead and plucked up 
by the roots" Along these shores, and^through the 
forests, which hitherto had echoed only with the 
wild wolfs howl, or the savage Indians' bachana- 
lian yell, were now heard the plaintive tones of 
penitential prayer, and the sweet melodies of Zion's 
songs. The silence of the Sabbath, which had of- 
ten been disturbed by the roar of the musket, or 
the discordant cries of the war dance, was now 



218 MEMOIR OF 

broken only by the solemn voice of Divine wor- 
ship. 

A trader lived near my Father's, and there the 
Indians were accustomed to resort to obtain spirits, 
to squander their furs and their blankets, and to en- 
joy their drunken revels. This fall (1827) they 
had been after their presents, which they receive 
annually from Government. A company of them 
had returned, and as my father saw the fires of their 
tents shining upon the woods at a distance, he re- 
marked, " They have come, and are now waiting 
for liquor, that they have a pow-wow" — i. e. a 
drunken revel. "There," said he, "they are be- 
ginning to dance," as he heard a sound from the 
encampment. " But hark ! it is the voice of sing- 
ing !" It was — it was Mear — a Christian psalm 
tune. Astonishment seized every mind, for as yet 
we had heard but a little of the great work among 
the tribes at a distance. We repaired to the camp. 
They were engaged in low, sclemn, fervent pray- 
er. It was the first time we ever heard an Indian 
pray. We saw, and heard, and wept. After their 
devotions, we saluted them with a warm shake of 
the hand. The next day, (Sunday) they met in 
my Father's barn ! Oh ! it was a delightful sight ! 
Such neatness, such modesty, such decorum, such 
devotion! They were truly M created anew!" 
From that day my heart became more and more 



k. ft hurD. 210 

attached to the Indians, although I had always 
loved them. After their conversion, they became 
more industrious, more cleanly, more prudent. 
They assumed a decision and independance of 
character, that never was visible before; and 
with scarcely an exception, they resisted every in- 
ducement to strong drink, which had ever been 
their besetting sin. It was in this year that the 
misson was established at Rice Lake, under the 
care of Miss Barnes, now Mrs. Case, and Mr Big- 
gar, a very pious young man. Miss Barnes was a 
lady from New England, who devoted herself with 
great zeal to the missionary cause, and who coun- 
ted no sacrifice which she should make in that work 
great. She has labored and suffered and accom- 
plished much, and doubtless great will be her re- 
ward. 

The Rice Lake Mission is now, and ever has 
been one of the most promising. Among the 
others who have labored there, perhaps none have 
been more useful than James Evans. Both he and 
Mrs. Evans are peculiarly fitted for the Missiona- 
ry field : for while they are eminently pious, they 
never indulge in that Pharisaic sullenness which too 
often injures piety ; but affable, social and familiar, 
they secured the affection and friendship of the 
natives, and especially of the children, and thus led 
them on by the cords of love.to every duty that was 



220 MEMOIR OF 

required of them. Although Mr. Evans J health 
was very feeble, yet he had a resolution of mind 
which I never saw equalled. No danger could 
daunt, no misfortune dishearten him. With a heart 
the most sensitive, he never yielded to evil forebo- 
dings in the hour of perplexity. His confidence 
in God was ever unshaken. He has learned the 
Indian language, translated some part of the Bible 
into it, and has now consecrated himself and fami- 
ly to that blessed work. Would to God that ma- 
ny such men might go forth from this Lyceum ( 

This same year the work broke out among the 
Indians on Lake Simcoe, and of a tribe consisting 
of about 200, scarcely one remained unconverted 
to Christianity. In (1828) the mission was open- 
ed among the Indians of Schoogog and Mud 
Lake, and there I commenced my labors, as a mis- 
sionary teacher. For one year 1 was alone, my 
labors were hard, my health feeble, but a happier 
year I never expect to see. The next year a fe- 
male school was opened at the same place ; and al- 
though there were many difficulties to be encoun- 
tered, yet the mission prospered. More rapid im- 
provement I have seldom seen among children of 
the whites, than among the Indian children. They 
are sprightly, witty, and penetrating, and particu- 
larly docile. Even most of the full grown Indi- 
ans have learned to read quite well in the Sabbath 
School. 



A. H\ HURD. 221 

The same year a school was opened on Snake 
Island, and another on Yellow Head : the former 
by Mr. Law, whose privations, and sufferings, and 
labors, will long be remembered by the natives who 
shared in the benefits of his toils. Fancy to your- 
selves, a person educated in polite society, separat- 
ed far from civilization on a small island, sleeping 
on the cold ground, sheltered only by some tempo- 
rary barks, living on the coarse, scanty, and often 
uncertain diet of the Indian; buffeting the storms 
and tempest, with no one to sympathise with him 
— no one to console him in the hour of distress ; 
and you will have some idea of the external soli- 
tude and loneliness of brother Law; and indeed of 
all missionaries, who enter the field at the opening 
of a mission, and enter it alone. These missions 
on Lake Simcoe, are still places whence light is 
radiating to the dark places which lie beyond. 

In 1828 or 9, a work commenced among the 
Mohawks on the Bay of Quinty, in which about 
one hundred and twenty were converted to living, 
practical Christianity. They had had u a name to 
live," i. e. they had belonged to the established 
church, but " they were dead in trespasses and 
sins," — given to drunkeness, profanity and crime. 
Many threatenings were resorted to, for preventing 
these from becoming Methodists. They were told 
that the privilege would be denied them of meeting 
22 



222 MEMOIR OF 

in the church which had been built for their ac- 
commodation ; and that their presents would be 
withheld by government, and then that they would 
have to look for assistance from whence they deri- 
ved their religion, meaning that their religion 
came from the Methodists, who were Yankees. 
The chief coldly replied; "I expect to do so: I 
get my religion from heaven ; I look dare for 
assistance." A school was not commenced here 
until the spring of 1831, when I was sent there 
from Rice Lake, where I had been laboring the 
year before. I found the Indians somewhat scat- 
tered, and some of them grown cold from long 
neglect. They were, however, anxious for a school 
and anxious for instruction ; and they hailed my 
arrival with joy. I soon had a crowded school and 
a school of as naturally intelligent and sprightly 
youth and children as I ever saw. The chief, 
with whom I lived, was one of the most interesting 
men that I ever knew. He was aged, and spoke 
English but poorly ; but he had been in many 
scenes, and he could paint them all to the life. He 
had read nature and read man; and was conse- 
quently a philosopher, though no scholar. But 
above all, he was a humble christian. Among 
this tribe I found some of the most pious and devo- 
ted persons that 1 ever knew. And while memory 
lasts I shall often reflect on the affecting scene of 



A. H. HURD, 223 

parting with that people ; — a scene which to me 
was fraught with unutterable interest ; — a scene 
which closed up three years and a half of the hap- 
piest — perhaps the most profitable — though most 
laborious and cross-bearing part of my life. And 
let me here say that Avhere the Indians have be- 
come pious they are as kind, affectionate, and hos- 
pitable a people as I ever saw. Their hearts are 
ever open, and their bosoms throb with as generous 
sentiments as those of a lighter hue. I ought to 
say, that when I was there, there was in another 
part of this tribe a young clergyman of the English 
Church, who was laboring incessantly for the good 
of that people. He was a gentleman, a christian, 
and a philanthropist ; and I have no doubt but his 
labors were the means of much good. Indeed a 
very visible change followed his labors. His name 
was Givins, a young man of rare accomplishments 
in science, as well as religion. I could but wish 
that every branch of the church had more such 
men! 

In 1830, John Sunday, Paul, and others, made 
a tour to the west, to Mackinaw, of which a detail- 
ed account was published in Sunday's journal. 
But I have not time to dwell on any points here. 
The journal abounds with interesting incidents. 
They found many of the western tribes favorably 
disposed, and their labors were blessed in the con- 



224 MEMOIR OF 

version of a good number. In 1831, he made 
another tour to the northwest, which was also 
greatly blessed. To a Roman Catholic female, 
who said that her minister told her that the devil 
assisted those who had become converted; Sunday 
replied, "then the devil must have become reli- 
gious I" Every year since 1831, some of the con- 
verted Indians have visited the far west, and they 
have now carried the gospel to the shores of the 
Superior. In one of Peter Jones' visits to the west 
the chief, in objecting to Christianity, reasoned thus, 
in a long speech in iep]y to Peter. " 1st, The 
white man has christian religion, but he is dishon- 
est, he will lie and cheat as bad as the Indian. 
What good then for Indian to become christian'? 
2, The Great Spirit knows what is best for all his 
children ; he gave the white man a religion in a 
book, but he gave the Indian no book ; therefore 
it is not good for the Indian to have book, else 
the Great Spirit would have given him. 3, My 
forefathers all gone away to the sun setting, w 7 here 
all Indians go when they die. Now if I embrace 
christian religion, I shall go up above with the 
white man, and then the Great Spirit will say: 
'this no place for you : you are Indian ; you must 
go back where your forefathers gone ; then said 
he, I should be very shamed," Thus reasons the 
Indian. But still he is always ready to hear and 
to be convinced. 



A. H-. HURP. 225 

la the last reports which I have been able to 
refer to, it is stated that there were ten stations and 
eighteen hundred and fifty under religious instruc- 
tion. But the number is now considerably larger. 
Other stations have been established, and other 
tribes gathered in. A few general remarks, and I 
am done. 

1st, These missions exhibit the happy influence 
of the gospel on the social state of man. The 
females are now respected and the same sanctity 
thrown around her character, that there is among 
us. Husbands are kind, wives are affectionate, and 
children respectful. They are industrious, cleanly, 
and provident. 2, These missions show the effi- 
cacy of Christ crucified to reform the moral man. 
For all the preaching of mere morality could never 
have induced the Indian to abandon his bowl ; but 
now he would as soon take liquid arsenic, as spirit- 
uous liquors! 3d, These Indians are remarkably 
regular in their habits; they are never absent from 
their social meetings; they never neglect domestic 
worship, and they always meet for prayer meeting 
at 6 o'clock on Sunday morning, and they are 
there. Would that our white folks would go and 
do likewise ! 4, They pray much in secret. Sis- 
ter Evans asked a small boy in the children's class 
meeting, how often he prayed in secret ; " eight 

times a day" said he. She questipned him a little. 
22* 



226 MEMOIR OF 

" Yes, v ' said the boy, ° I go eight times every day 
to yonder log and pray alone." This boy had 
been taught by his mother, a widow, to pray in se- 
cret. Daily she took her two little sons, and went 
to the woods and implored heaven's blessings on 
them. How few such mothers are there f But 
her prayers were not in vain. This boy never de- 
parted from truth: he always spoke the truth 
frankly and without disguise, even though it seem- 
ed to his disadvantage. 5, These missions have 
every prospect of continuing. They have never 
declined. And whenever an Indian is converted 
he becomes a missionary. And now, there are not 
only some of the most persevering, substantial men 
I ever knew, of whites devoted to that work, but 
there is a large number of the natives whose souls 
are in the work ; whose hearts are panting for the 
return of the wanderers of the west, and who have 
scarcely any desire but the salvation of their lost 
brethren. There is Peter Jones, a man of profound 
judgment, great prudence, and ardent piety ; and 
there is John Sunday, a thrilling orator, a devout, 
holy man ; indeed he is a host. And then there 
are many others who have devoted themselves 
solely to this cause. And what is best of all, the 
< Lord is with them,' and with all these means we 
expect the tide will roll onward, until the entire 
northwestern wjlds, shall become the kingdom of 



A. H. HURD. 227 

Christ ; and the voice of the missionary to the north 
west shall echo to the voice of a Lee, or his suc- 
cessor, from beyond the Rocky Mountains." 

If it should seem to the reader that in the follow- 
ing paper, there is something of a spirit of dictation 
to superiors, or a disposition to criticise the conduct 
of the authorities of the church, this impression will 
be entirely removed, by remembering that the paper 
was read to a company of young men who have the 
ministry in view, and were solicitous of improve- 
ment. It is, therefore, to be regarded as an inter- 
change of opinion among themselves for their mu- 
tual benefit. Surely nothing could be a more 
profitable exercise. The judicious reader wM be 
pleased to see that our excellent young friend re- 
commended no experiments in religion ; no wild 
expedients. His aim was " not to mend our rules, 
but to keep them," relying upon thoir vigorous 
enforcement to secure the contemplated object. 

By what means can Scriptural Holiness best be 
promoted in the M. E. Church. 

Difficult as the solution of this question might 
at first appear, I apprehend it is to be found com- 
prised in this short sentence, to revive and enforce 
the entire letter and spirit of our discipline. I say 
to revive, for it is to be feared that some portions of 
this admirable code have already lost their vitality. 



&28 MEMOIR OP 

I am not, however, aware of any serious declension 
from the spirituality and piety of the devoted foun- 
der of our church. But the history of other 
churches — -yea and some features in modern Meth- 
odism, admonish us of the possibility of retaining 
the form of godliness while destitute of its power. 
If then the friends of our Zion would preserve and 
perpetuate her in her native purity, and original 
vigor, they must be careful to repair the slightest 
Corrodings of decay, and to rectify the feeblest 
symptoms of disease. And as holiness is the uni- 
versal and supreme restorative ; the * elixer of 
life' in the moral and spiritual world, it should ever 
be the first— last — speediest resort. For the at- 
tainment of this, our discipline affords the most 
ample means. But, still adhering to our first pro- 
position, it may be necessary to view it under sev- 
eral distinct divisions. 

1st. The church must preserve a spiritual and 
unblemished ministry. For although their preach- 
ing may be rich in evangelical truth, and may 
delineate in heaven's own penci lings, the purity 
and the rigor of the law, the fullness and sufficiency 
of the gospel, and the imperious requirements of 
both, yet without eminent holiness among the cler- 
gy, it will be sought for in vain among the laity. 
They will sarcastically, but justly reply, " physi- 
cian heal thyself," and then, " as if the preacher 



A, H. HURD, 229 

had rehearsed an idle tale," will mingle in the 
gaiety, and mirth, anil folly of the giddy throng ! 
To be efficient in staying the tide of iniquity, 
and in elevating to its proper height the standard of 
moral purity, the preacher must ' shine forth as a 
light in the world ;' his life must be unblemished 
piety, and to the ' wisdom of the serpent' he must 
add the innocence and meekness 'of the dove.' 
such a ministry should be preserved, and such the 
economy of the M. E, Church is designed to pre- 
serve. 1st, The candidate must be recommended 
by the class of which he is a member, in order to 
pass the threshold to the sacred office. 2dly, When 
he has been tried and proved as an exhorter, he 
must receive the approbation of the Quarterly Con- 
ference, before he can be advanced to the office of 
local preacher, odly, It can only be through the 
approval of the Gluartely Conference that he can 
gain any approach to the Annual Conference. 
And 4thly, the Annual Conference have it in their 
power after all these preliminary steps, previous 
trials and examinations, to exclude forever from 
their body all who do not bear the signet ring of 
heaven — the moral impress and likeness of our 
great high priest. If these several bodies then but 
discharge their trust faithfully, moral pollution can 
never find admittance to our sacred altars. But 
no part of discipline must become a dead letter ; 



230 MEMOIR OF 

there must be no softening down or explaining 
away terms ; the ' desiring of nothing but God :' 
the being 'moved by the Holy Ghost,' and 'the 
going on to perfection,' must be no unmeaning 
phraseology ; no merely established form ; they 
must have their full and legitimate import, and be 
solemnly pressed on the conscience, and be attested 
and exemplified in the uniform and active exercise 
of all the meek and unobtrusive gracs of the chris- 
tian character. Then will our clergymen be pre- 
eminent alike in the purity of their lives, and the 
sacredness of their office. Then may we hope to 
see the mild virtues of the private christian, ripen- 
ing in the minister of the altar, into the mature 
finish of superior evangelical holiness. Then will 
the fires that have glowed in the private bosom with 
intense and undying ardor, burst forth in the public 
duties of the sanctuary into the pure flame of hea- 
ven resembling, sin consuming, and soul refining 
love. Then will the preacher say to his people, 
4 follow me as I follow Christ ;' and being 

" Armed himself in panoply complete 
Of heavenly temper, will furnish with arms 
Bright as his own, and train by every rule 
OF holy discipline, to glorious war, 
The sacramental hosts of God's elect.'" 



A. M. HURD. 231 

But 2dly. The nature and extent of holiness 
must be clearly understood and imperiously enjoin- 
ed. It is not enough that the preacher himself be 
spotless ; he must also be required to preach the 
gospel in its fulness ; to insist upon a cleansing 
"from all sin /' to exhibit in its true light the na- 
ture of that inward purity, which is an emblem of 
the holiness of God. The Conferences must see to 
it that every preacher does this ; that he places the 
standard of piety where the scripture places it, in 
the ' cleanness of the heart and the rectitude of the 
spirit.' Oh ! if this subject were viewed in the 
light of eternity ; if christians could have but one 
faint glimpse of the infinite glory of God's moral 
perfections, what cause would they see for humili- 
ation and abasement ; surely they would say ' all 
our righteousnesses are but as filthy rags!' Lowand 
degraded views of holiness will generate fanaticism. 
Oh! how many by mistaking a transient thrill of 
joy, or a happy state of excited emotion, for the 
sanctification of their entire natures, have brought 
reproach upon the cause of Christ. Let then our 
preachers be required to dwell on this point, until 
it is clearly understood by all that holiness consists 
not merely in emotion, but in sentiment; not mere- 
ly in passion, but in principle ; not merely in peri- 
periodic enjoyments, but in a constant conformity 
to the divine likeness. But the preacher must be 



232 MEMOIR OF 

required to go further, and not dniy correct public 
sentiment in relation to the nature of true holiness, 
but urge it on all the members of the church as 
an indispensible attainment; as something that 
they may and must enjoy here ; as that which the 
law of God imperiously demands, and the gospel 
of Christ abundantly bestows. Nor must he con- 
fine those instructions to the pulpit ; he must * go 
from house to house,' and in the true spirit of his 
master, with the law of kindness on his lips ' sup- 
port the weak, establish the wavering, bind up the 
broken hearted,' and by his example, and exhorta- 
tions, and friendly counsels cheer on the friends of 
Zion to ' perfect holiness in the fear of the Lord.' 
For all this our discipline makes provision, but if 
it were fully and faithfully executed would not the 
character of our piety be materially changed? 
Would there be so little of the deep, ardent, uni- 
form devotion among us ? By pursuing such a 
course, might not our preachers, breathe into the 
church a spirit that would give vitality and energy 
to her every member ? By the consistency of their 
lives, the purity of their doctrines, the ardor of their 
devotions, the meekness of their tempers, and the 
vigor of their actions, they may throw around re- 
ligion such a divine charm, may render it so invit- 
ing and lovely, as almost to lure the people of their 
charge to the same high and holy standard, by 



A. H. HURD. 233 

which they regulate their own lives. Oh ! that 
the preachers of our church would emulate the 
character of the indefatigable Wesley ; — nay, more, 
would catch the flame that animated and fired the 
great apostle of the Gentiles ; or, to go farther still, 
would imbibe the spirit, and imitate the virtues, and 
receive the falling mantle of the Divine Redeemer'? 
odly, The resources of the church, should be 
called into active exercise. ' There is that scatter- 
eth, and yet increaseth." In no sense is this more 
fully verified than in religion. No talent must be 
permitted to slumber. No member should be left 
unemployed in the great work of diffusing holiness. 
Nor should mental and moral influence alone be 
enlisted, but all the pecuniary aid also, which the 
church can master, should be made to contribute to 
this sacred purpose. By thus enlisting talents, in- 
fluence and wealth in the cause of God, the mind 
is turned off from the vanities of life ; the seal is 
drawn away by an opposite influence, from the tide 
of fashion and the whirlpool of dissipation ; a sense 
of responsibility is generated ; a feeling of personal 
and individual interest is awakened, the moral con- 
dition of the world, and the wants of the church 
are called up in bold relief before the mind, the 
heart becomes affected, christian sensibility arous- 
ed ; and the emotions which otherwise might be- 
come stagnant, flow out in the abundant, refresh- 
23 



234 MEMOIR OF 

ing, and healthful streams of philanthropy and love. 
Nothing- can be more pernicious than to suffer 
inactivity among- the members of the church, for if 
their labors are not required, they fondly fancy 
that there is nothing to be done ; but where their 
every energy is put forth, and all around is in vig- 
orous and active excercise, they then become sensi- 
ble how numerous are the wants, and how urgent 
are the demands of the moral world upon their 
charity and benevolence. It is only when they see 
what is done to counteract the evils of sin, that they 
feel its turpitude, and only when they are devoting 
their all to God, that they are conscious of not being 
their own, and of being bought with a price ; and 
consequently of being obligated to glorify God in 
their bodies and spirits, which are his. Our motto 
should therefore be ' to be all at it and always at it.' 
4thly, The peculiarities of our system should 
be tenaciously observed ; not as a new form, but as 
heart searching, and conscience enlivening means 
of grace. I refer to the class meeting, and band 
meetings, and love feasts, &c. These were origin- 
ally designed to be seasons of close, critical, and 
impartial examination of the heart. Is is here that 
without fear of injury, the bosom may be laid 
open ; the thoughts subjected to scrutiny, the prin- 
ciples analysed, and the entire soul dissected so as 
to exhibit all its moral features to view. May our 



\* 



A. H HURD. 235 

class leaders then ever be men deeply skilled in 
the things of God ; men who feel the responsibility 
of their office, and who w T ill never fail to urge on 
their members the absolute necessity of an entire 
renewal of the soul after the image of God ! 

I have thus sketched a few scattered thoughts on 
this important subject, but as you see have recom- 
mended no 'new measures,' for lam one of those, 
who believe in adhering strictly to ' the old paths.' 



CHAPTER XIV. 



Visit io Amherst — Journal by the way — Com- 
mencement q/* 1836. 

We pass over an interval of a few months in the 
life of Mr. Hurd, and shall place ourselves in his 
company while, according to a promise formerly 
made, he paid a visit' to his friend Mr. Caldwell, at 
Amherst. The confinement, and arduous labors, 
and consequent exhaustion of a severe term, had 
made such a relaxation necessary to a recruiting of 
his wasted energies. He accordingly availed him- 
self of the summer vacation of this year, (1835,) to 
redeem his pledge. 



236 MEMOIR OF 

While on his journey, he made sundry " pen- 
cillings by the way," from which we make the fol- 
lowing selections. 

Journal. 

July 16, Left College, (Middletown,) at 6 o'clock 
A. M. on board the steamboat Lexington. Was 
introduced to the Reverend Mr M., found him a 
very social, intelligent man. Met Mrs. H. and 
other friends on board. Arrived in Hartford, at 
half past eight. Breakfasted, and read newspa- 
pers awhile. Found in a paper the following lines 
on 

NIAGARA FALLS. 

" Here speaks the voice of God ! Let man be dumb, 

41 Nor with his vain aspirings hither come. 

" That voice impels these hollow sounding floods, 

" And like a presence fills the distant woods. 

" These groaning rocks th' Almighty's finger piled, 

" For ages here his painted bow has smiled, 

" Mocking the changes and the chance of time, 

" Eternal, beautiful, serene, sublime." 

Took stage from Hartford about eleven o'clock. 
Had fine company, a cheerful breeze, a cool air, 
and a pleasant route. The country is fine. At 
3 o'clock P. M. arrived at Springfield. This is 
the most beautiful place I have seen in New Eng- 
land. The New England Conference is sitting 



A. H. HURD. 23? 

here, I went to the churches, and was happily sur* 
prised to meet brothers E. Evans, J. Ryerson, and 
Lang from Canada. They expressed warm dis- 
approbation of the innovations admitted among 
Methodists here, in their manners &c, " Preserve 
the old land marks," say they. Amen! I respond. 
Had an introduction to Captain Stetson, and a 
pleasant interview. The day has been a happy 
one. Bless the Lord! Was invited by Mr. Steh" 
bins, one of our stage company, to call on him at 
the foot of State and Main steets. At ten o'clock 
I seek my rest. 

Sunday 17, Rose early. Read an hour in Dick's 
Future State. Read again Professor H's sermon 
on the death of Baily. * * * * Started for 
church. How calm and delightful the scene ! 
Not a hoof chattered along the street. No noisy 
crowds on the pavements. The morning sun- 
beams fell with the mild radiance of his half con- 
cealed glories upon the white houses, that emerged 
in all directions from the forest trees which shaded 
the streets. The breeze circulated gently along 
the broad and beatiful streets, for which the place 
is so remarkable. The dark chesnut threw its 
thick shade along the way ; the elm waved its wide 
spreading branches in the sun ; the poplar's leaf 
trembled with the ruffling breeze, and the slender 
tress-like twigs of the willow were suspended in 



238 MEMOIR OF 

all the mournful likeness of tender grief. The 
murmuring little rill, and the bubbling fountain, 
joined with the sweet warbling of the birds, and 
all blended with the plaintive tones of the Sabbath 
bells which came trembling on the quiet air, seem- 
ed like the music of heaven to the soul. There 
was a delicious fragrance that breathed from many 
of the gardens ; and before the eye was spread out 
the rich valley of the Connecticut, with its verdant 
meadows and smiling fields, and waving woods, 
and the still bosom of its silvery streams. Oh ! it 
was a goodly prospect ! Long may I remember 
the feast of beauty of this morning ! Springfield 
shall long blend in my fancy with the images of 
whatever is lovely. Church was much crowded 
Dr. Bangs preached. Sermon was good. After- 
noon, President Olin preached. He was feeble in 
body; but mighty in spirit. There was much 
weeping. The power of God was manifest. 
Many felt his preaching like an arrow in the soul. 
May he long live to bless the church. Head of 
the church ! Send us more such men, " full of 
power and of the Holy Ghost!" In the evening 
went to missionary meeting. Dr. Bangs, brothers 
Evans, Lang and others addressed the meeting. It 
was the best missionary meeting I ever was at. It 
does the heart good to attend such. May this day 
long be remembered with joy ! 



A. fit. HURD. 239 

Monday 18, A beautiful morning. Visited the 
arsenal and armory. Nearly 60,000 muskets 
stacked in one building, all ready to destroy human 
life, present a formidable appearance. The ma- 
chinery connected with the armory is well worth 
seeing. The wonderful division of labor speaks 
well for the advancement of the arts. In the after- 
ternoon, called on Mr Stebbins. Had a pleasant 
interview with him and his sister. We went on 
top of Dr. Osgood's church steeple, and viewed the 
town. The view is splendid. Attended preach- 
ing. Mr Haschal preached. Had a good degree 
of the spirit. Conference then had a session, and a 
valuable report was read by Mr Stevens, of Bos- 
ton, on education. Some debating took place. All 
was in good feeling. Called at Mr B's. Took tea 
and had an agreeable time. In the evening went 
to the meeting for the Missionary Education Socie- 
ty. Brothers Horton, Dr. Bangs, Coles, and 
Evans addressed the meeting. A large collection 
was taken up, (made). The ladies were among 
the most liberal. So they are always. But I think 
the ladies of Springfield peculiarly amiable and 
excellent. 

1 9th, Very warm. Parted w r ith the Canada 
brethren. Had some pleasant company in the 
stage, though not so agreeable as from Hartford to 
Springfield. A Miss H. seemed a perfect lady. 



240 MEMOIR OF 

Most of the company were interested only in what 
related to mercantile or money making business. 
We passed through Cabbotsville, a place noted on- 
ly for its manufactures. The land for several miles 
was very poor ; a light sandy soil. South Hadley 
looked to me like a filthy place. The stage stop- 
ped with us at a dirty huckster's shop. Old Had- 
ley is pleasant, Five o'clock brought us to Am- 
herst. This place is fine. 1st, The dinner was 
fine. 2d, The location is fine. It is a swelling 
height which overlooks a wide extent of country, 
of smiling fields and shady groves. 3d, The pros- 
pect is fine. The rich valley of the Connecticut 
presents to the eye of the beholder, a wide extent of 
beauty and verdure. Mt. Tom and Holyoke rear 
up their lofty battlements in plain sight. But what 
renders Amherst beautiful to me is, I here find my 
quondam chum, my best friend, Caldwell. Long 
have I desired to meet with him. Heaven has 
now favored my wishes. I find him unchanged ; 
the ardent, ingenuous friend. 



20th, The day passed with nothing of much in- 
terest. In the evening, I attended the Ath. So- 
ciety. I was disappointed in hearing no debate on 



A. H. HURD. 241 

a literary question. There was a warm debate on 
some important business. Much feeling and some 
talent was elicited. The essays and discussions 
were rather dull, though some exhibited a good 
deal of talent. The critique I did not admire. It 
was bombastic. The reader's deportment was ve- 
ry excellent. Much wit was displayed in the 
translations and in the commencement exercises. 

21st, Chum Caldwell and I sat out for Mt. Hol- 
yoke. Expected Mr Stebbins and friends from 
Springfield there. Was disappointed in this. We 
climbed the mountain "with many a weary step 
and many a groan." But it was too foggy for a 
good view. After a time, the wind blew up and 
the fog disappeared. The prospect is very grand. 
The people below looked like pigmies. Away to 
the west, at eighty miles distance is seen the blue 
tops of the Alleghany. To the south, the river is 
seen winding its varying courses, now leaving the 
banks of a verdant meadow, now washing the 
rocky and shaggy cliff, and then sinking into, or 
emerging from, a dark grove of waving trees, till 
at twenty-five miles away, it looks like a sea of 
quicksilver glittering in the sun. To the north is 
seen Amherst and Old Hadley, and some other 
towns of interest. Twenty-five or twenty-six stee- 
ples may be distinctly seen here. The eye at one 
glance, takes in a circle of country one hundred 



242 MEMOIR OF 

and sixty miles in diameter — a country peculiarly 
picturesque and beautiful, variegated with high and 
long ranges of mountains, besprinkled with wild 
and romantic hills of smaller size, with numerous 
sloping side lands, rich valleys and dark ravines, 
to which are added all the beauties and improve- 
ments of art. Among the towns which serve to 
enliven and embellish this picture, may be men- 
tioned Middletown, Hartford, Springfield, North- 
ampton, Amherst and Hadley. We returned and 
visited Titan's Piers so called; a place in the river 
between Mounts Tom and Holyoke. Here are the 
fragments of perfect hexagonal pillars of very large 
dimentions, which seem to have been broken ofTby 
some tremendous force at some former period of 
the world. On the height of Holyoke there are 
many furrows in the rocks, indicating some mighty 
deluge. We visited Hadley Academy, and spent 
some time with the teachers, Messsrs. Cheesbro and 
Sterne. Took tea with them. They are social, 
friendly young gentlemen. Here I again met with 
Miss H. Returning to Amherst. 'Had a severe 
rain. 

22d, The rain is over, and the day smiles upon 
us in renBwed loveliness. The clouds were mo- 
ving off along the hills, and the sun threw his 
beams upon the fields, bright with a thousand hues 
reflected from the reviving drops that sparkled on 



A. H. KURD, 243 

the herbage. After breakfast, I walked out. Then 
returned and read in Mr Reed's visit to the church- 
es for an hour or two. His descriptions of scenery- 
are equal to any thing I have seen, fie never tires. 
In the hand of such a master, American scenery is 
not likely to be degraded. At eleven, I rambled 
out alone for several miles. The country in some 
places was rich. The houses were scattered. I 
fell upon a wide plain of whortleberries and winter 
green. I diverted myself here for a while in pluck- 
ing and eating those simple but delicate luxuries of 
nature. I became wearied and wandered to a 
strange house to seek some dinner. And what a 
feast ! The woman was washing, and of course 
all in the suds. The man had just seated himself 
alone at the table. In one corner of the dining 
room, or bed room if you please, was a bed, which 
from being tumbled and open, seemed to have just 
lost its occupant. Old clothes stuffed into the win- 
dows, and old hats and bonnets and shoes strewed 
about the floor, shewed that that they were not de- 
ficient in any articles of dress. The dish kettle in 
one corner dripping with grease, and the frying 
pan in the other, and a pot of potatoes in the midst, 
with a wash tub a little in the back ground y teeming 
with, and surrounded by unwashed linen, served to 
embellish the picture. But the table interested me 
most. In the midst was a platter of fish, half con- 



244 MEMOIR OF 

sumed, on one end a huge pile of potatoe peelings, 
at one corner, a loaf of dark bread, almost as soft 
as paste, from not having been half baked ; at 
another point, a dirty pitcher of water, and near it 
was placed a plate for me, with knife and fork that 
seemed to have been rusty for years. I drew my- 
self to the table, forced a smile, asked questions,, 
looked out of the door, talked of the crops, while my 
thoughts were busied elsewhere, set my teeth to do- 
ing their office upon the fish and potatoes. My re- 
past finished, I gave the lady some change, thank- 
ed them heartily, and set out for Amherst. This 
is the way to see human nature ! In the afternoon 
I went to Professor Hitchcock's lecture. In the 
evening met Professors Smith and Whedon, and 
attended them with Mr Caldwell, to mount Pleas- 
ant, and to Professor Condit's cottage. These are 
delightful places, retired, shady, elevated, and pre- 
senting a fine view at a distance. 

23d. Called again on Professors Smith and 
Whedon. Went to Professor Condit's lecture. It 
was on the " Eloquence of the Passions." It was 
well written, and admirably delivered. Attended al- 
so Professor Snell's lecture. It was on the magic 
lantern, and the Camera Obscura. Attended a 
meeting of the Junior class. They display a 
good degree of wit and vivacity. Mr G. moved 
that " during the coming year, they stand to the 



A. H. HURP. 245 

rack fodder or no fodder." Mr H. in amendment, 
moved that " all who stood to the rack, considered 
themselves asses !" Mr G. accepted the amend- 
ment as the surest way of securing the attendance 
of the gentleman, Mr H. ! ! They have a prac- 
tice of clapping and stamping w r hich I dislike. I 
think their conversation less improving, than 
among us. Their deportment in the Chapel, is 
more gentlemanly than ours. 

Afternoon, I went with Messrs. Van L. and T. 
to Northampton. This place is situated on the 
west of the Connecticut, and presents a most lovely 
view of the valley in front. There is a greater va- 
riety of scenery than at Amherst. The groves, 
the fields, the trees &c. are more distinct and sepa- 
rate ; not blended together as at Amherst; The 
town is very irregular, but in many parts very beau- 
tiful. Still I am less pleased with it than with 
Springfield. I visited the grave of the devoted • 
Brainerd. He died young, but had accomplished 
much. Oh ! there is a charm almost divine lin- 
gering around the tomb of such a man, I love his 
name the more because he loved the Indian, "May 
I die the death of the righteous and may my last 
end be like his." 

24th, Sabbath. The New England Sabbath is 
peculiarly "the day of rest." It is quiet as the 
grave. I have felt its solemnity in a striking de- 
24 



246 MEMOIR OF 

gree to day. I was very much affected by a fe- 
male voice singing at a distance. Nothing moves 
me like music, and no music like the sweet tones of 
the female voice. But it must be heard in solitude, 
when the heart is lonely, when the soul is tender, 
and a mild melancholy has spread itself o'er the 
feelings. It must be plaintive, and at a distance. 
Then the tender cords are moved, and the willing 
heart melts, and the rising fountain of nature's 
kindly emotions bubbles up to the head, and the 
soothing streams of tenderness flow with freedom. 
Heard preach twice to day. His ser- 
mons were plain, simple and instructive. He is 
easy and natural in his manner, but not forcible. I 
think him sound, but not brilliant. There is much 
matter in his discourses, but it is not applied to the 
conscience with a great deal of pathos or power. 
This evening, attended a meeting of the soeiety of 
inquiry, and heard two reports, one from Mr H., on 
the Tract Society ; the other from Mr H — r, on 
the cause of seamen. Both w T ere excellent. The 
style of the pieces indicated great refinement of 
taste. The first was peculiarly simple in language 
and expressions, but very touching and pathetic. 
The other had more studied elegance, but was 
equally natural and pleasing. They are as good 
as any thing I ever heard from students in College, 
I think. The day has been profitable and interes- 



A. H. hURD. 247 

ting. May I not soon forget the scenes of this Sab- 
bath ! 

25th, Was introduced to Messrs H., H — r, and 
others, with whom I was much interested. At- 
tended a lecture on the solar microscope. The ex- 
hibitions were good. 

26th, Called on several students and had agree- 
able visits with them. Think I should be much 
pleased with the society here. Caldwell has five 
fine fellows boarding with him at Mrs. Ws. 

27th, Attended Exhibition. Music was very 
good. Some pieces were excellent. Caldwell did 
best on the whole. Van L. did well, so did B. and 
S. A. T. But there was not the energy and elo- 
quence that our College furnishes. In the evening 
attended a society meeting. There was much 
warm contention. Party spirit was high. 

28th, Called on Mr. D. He seems a very fine 
frank fellow; also on H. He is a very lovely 
young man. Took me to the college library, and 
the library of the social unions. The college li- 
brary is select, not large, six thousand volumes. 
The society libraries are good. Left for Brattle- 
boro'. I shall long remember Mrs. Ws kindness 
while in her family. And Mrs. M., with whom I 
took tea, is a very familiar lady. It was with feel- 
ings not easily expressed, that I took my leave of a 
place where I had spent some time with Caldwell, 



248 MEMOIR OF i 

in the most pleasant manner ; had been introduced 
to some of the choice spirits of college, and had re- 
ceived the most marked instances of kindness from 
strangers. But Caldwell, my more than brother, 
how did my heart grieve to part with him ! Oh ! 
may Heaven bless and keep him for eminent use- 
fulness in the Church ! 

From Amherst to Brattleboro' our ride was not 
very pleasant. Some of the way lies through a 
barren sandy plain, some of it overhung, intersec- 
ted by lofty ranges of hills, and some of it lies 
along one of the most beautiful parts of the Con- 
necticut valley. For several miles the scenery was 
wild and romantic. Perpendicularly beneath us, 
the silver stream glided along, and almost perpendi- 
cularly above us, the hill rose in beauty and gran- 
deur. We arrived in Brattleboro' about eight 
o'clock ; found an excellent supper and good ac- 
commodations. The stage house here is very 
fine. 

29th, Left B. in the morning without having had 
much opportunity of seeing it. I think it a beauti- 
ful place. For several miles the road was quite 
level, after rising the hill out of the town. Then we 
began climbing the mountain. There were only 
a Mr. Baldwin and lady of Troy, besides myself, in 
the stage. The day was rainy, and we therefore 
had but a poor opportunity of viewing the scenery. 



A. II. KURD. 249 

Sometimes we climbed for an hour upon the one 
continued steep of rocks, and pine ; and we looked 
down on the one side from a dizzy precipice over 
sloping hills and ragged cliffs, and yawning ra- 
vines ; and on the other, we looked up to the fi own- 
ing heights where nature sat enthroned in solitude, 
and the dark rocks hung over us in fearful wildnrss. 
Then wc were whirled along a pleasant road, 
where the hills rose up on either side in dark and 
majestic ridges, and stretched themselves for miles 
along our path, and broke away suddenly, opened 
to our view a wide and lovely valley, and present- 
' inga large extent of gentle side land, and retiring 
to a distance, again heaving up its mighty hulk 
more dark and sublime than before. Then we 
were plunged down a long narrow passage, where 
the mountain brook murmured and warbled along 
the road, and the willow threw its branches in our 
faces, and the spruce, the pine, and the hemlock, 
bristling in thick array, or standing alone on the 
bleak cliff, rose over our heads in ever changing 
wildness, towering in heathery height to heaven. 
Sometimes the sleet and rain were driven with fury 
along the mountains, and the trees waved and quiv- 
ered aud bent beneath the moving elements. Then 
a dark cloud rolled slowly along the distant hills 
and as the sun burst out from the opposite sky, and 
threw its bright ray upon the moving mass, it pre- 
24* 



250 MEMOIR OF 

rented a picture the perfect resemblance of sullen 
wrath ; and the brighter the rays of the sun, the 
more awful was its form. Again we saw the fog 
rising in different directions, and moving up the 
mountain's side in columns of white, that added much 
to the beauty of the scene. At length it collected in a 
mass, and as we looked at the mountain that spread 
out its broad base, and heaved up its dark sides, and 
hung out its frowning crags, and then hid its lofty 
head in a wreath of fog and smoke, we felt how 
much obscurity aided the sublime. It is among the 
wild scenes of nature alone, that the truly grand 
can be found. Let man heap up his gothic pile 
and rear his proud structure! What are they, af- 
ter all, but mere toys compared with nature's magni- 
ficence ? 

On this mountain is a natural curiosity. You 
travel some distance beside a stream running due 
west, and then you suddenly find its course chan- 
ged and it seems directly east ; and as they appear 
to be the same stream meeting at that point, with 
no outlet, one of them seems to run up hill. Be- 
sides they seem to run into each other. But on the 
opposite side of an island they blend, and go off 
in an angle of ninety degrees. I arrived in Floo- 
sie in the evening, and found my friends well. 

30th, Visited Shaftsbury. Found all well. 



A. H. HURD. 251 

Spent the day, and had a long religious conversation 
with uncle A. G. 

31st, Returned to Hoosic. Heard elder Reach 
in the morning. His text was Heb. ix. 27, 28* 
He dw r elt particularly on the second coming of 
Christ. In the afternoon, I spoke to the people 
from Psalm xl. 1, 2, 3. At five o'clock heard bro 
ther Smith from Acts xxiv. 25. It was a good ser- 
mon. May I profit by these things ! 

August 1st, Spent in writing. 

2d, Set out for Schenectady. In Troy met Mr. 
B. He attended me to visit the most important 
places in Troy. It is a beautiful town. We arri- 
ved in S. about five and found all well. 

3d, Went to Albany. Visited the museum. 
The most interesting sight to me was the panoram- 
ic view of the New York fire. It was splendid, 
awful, terrific. This museum I have visited before 
and it is well worth seeing again. 

4th, Visited Union College ; could see only the 
gardens. These are fine. We want such at Mid- 
dletown very much. 

5th, Returned to Hoosic after a pleasant visit of 
three days w T ith uncle Lovewell. 

6th, Visited Shaftsbury, and then went to Ben- 
nington. Called on brother Smith and spent a 
pleasant time with him and his interesting family. 
Was introduced to a good many christian friends. 



MEMOIR OF 



7th, Went to class meeting in the morning. It 
was a profitable time. Preached in the forenoon 
for brother S. from Matt. i. 21. The congregation 
was large and attentive. Much good feeling was 
manifested. Bennington has a good Methodist so- 
ciety of about one hundred and ninety members, 
In the afternoon, heard Mr. H. of the Presbyterian 
church, from Rom. viii. 9. It was a close, practi- 
cal sermon. The spirit of Christ was 1st, A spirit 
of love. 2d, Of meekness. 3d, Of gentleness. 4th, 
Of forgiveness. At five o'clock, I spoke at the 
same place by the request of Mr Herring, the pas- 
tor of the church. The text was Isa. ix. 10. The 
congregation was very attentive. 

8th, Spent the day in reading. Went to a month- 
ly concert of prayer in the evening. Enjoyed my- 
self well. 

9th, Read and conversed. In the evening preach- 
ed from Rev. xxii. 2L 

10th, Visited a part of Shaftsbury peculiar for 
its beauty. The landscape equals any thing I 
ever saw. Left Shaftsbury for Hoosic. Have 
been much pleased and edified in conversation with 
uncle G., whom I regret to leave. Was introdu- 
ced to cousin L. B., am much pleased with her. 

1 1th, Read, conversed and visited Mr I's. This 
is a delightfulfamily. Of the young ladies, MissD. 
alone was at home. She is a lovely girl. I re- 
lumed home much gratified. 



A, H. HURD. 253 

12th, This day was spent mostly with cousin, 
grandmother and aunt. Read and conversed dur- 
ing the forenoon, and visited elder Reach in the 
afternoon. I shall long remember the elder 
among my friends. 

13th, Read and conversed with aunt. Then visi- 
ted Messrs, M. and T. I — m. M. is intelligent 
good tempered, and companionable. T. is a rosy 
looking girl, and her temper is as sweet as her 
countenance. In the afteruon, called on Mrs. L. 
and her daughters. Was agreeably entertained. 
Also called on Mrs. C. G., and deacon G. 

14th, Preached three times; twice for elder R. 
from Psalms, xvi. 21, and John xviii. 38. And once 

for brother Smith from Hebrews. The people 

were attentive. May the Lord bless the word to 
their good ! Brother Smith spent the night with 
me. We enjoyed a pleasant time. 

1 5th, Parted from friends in Hoosic. It was a 
sorrowing time. O how heart rending to be sev- 
ered perhaps to meet no more I 

Here the diary ends. Mr. Hurd now returned 
to Middletown, and reached his place of destination 
a little prior to commencement, highly gratified 
with his excursion, and greatly recruited both in 
body and mind. He only waited for the com- 
mencement to pass away, and affairs settle down in- 



254 MEMOIR OF 

to their regular order, to devote himself anew to 
his favorite pursuits. 

The Commencement at the Wesleyan Univer- 
sity of this year, was one of more than ordinary 
interest. The graduating class was the largest 
that had been sent forth by this young institution, 
as well as one of unusual brilliancy and power. 
The concourse of spectators was uncommonly 
large, the weather was delightful, and no unto- 
ward event occurred to mar the pleasure of the oc- 
casion. Many hearts that day were throbbing 
with bouyant hopes, or realized expectation, or the 
fruition of desire, or the elation of success ; while 
the emotions of the heart were still further awa- 
kened by the animating strains of music, and the 
voice of prayer and praise to the Infinite Intelli- 
gence. It was an exhilirating scene, and especial- 
ly so, as marking the growth of a yet infant insti- 
tution. No wonder that the subject of our me- 
moir should have been deeply interested, or that he 
should speak of it with enthusiasm. 

We extract the following from a letter to his 
good friend Mr. Allen. Where so many acquitted 
themselves to the satisfaction of their instructors, 
and, if we may judge from the interest manifested, 
to that of the audience also, it might seem almost 
invidious to particularize an individual. Yet we 
apprehend no one will object to the following re- 



A. H. HURD. 255 

marks on the speaker of the oration entitled " The 
Past, the Present and the Future, with the Valedio 
otry addresses." The letter is dated August 25, 1836. 
" Commencement is just over, and we are all 
moving, arranging, and overturning, so that I can 
scarcely hear myself think. The performances 
were excellent. Only one prominent fault — many 
spoke too low. But in point of literary merit it 
very far surpassed that of last year. I think B. is 
a splendid fellow. He sweeps the cords of the 
human heart with a wizzard hand. Oh ! with 
what a pencil he touches the minutest shadings of 
his picture ! Never did I see a mind that could 
so clothe vacancy in beauty as cin his. As he 
stood on the imperceptible point, " the present," 
and then threw back his searching eye through 
the dark ocean of tho " past," and presented it gild- 
ed with memory of joys since dead; and then 
reached forth the lamp of his genius into the chil- 
ling darkness of the " future," and hung out the bow 
of hope on its obscure front, the audience were 
spell bound, the heart almost forgot to beat, and the 
very pulse of life seemed still. That was a mo- 
ment sacred to Apollo. A whisper then would 
have been sacrilege. But when he came to the 
last moving moment, he touched the thrilling 
events of College, the faithful instruction, the pious 
prayers, and kind admonitions of the Professors ; 



256 MEMOIR OF 

when he paid a short, but melting tribute to the 
lamented Bailey,* and uttered as far as the sacred- 
ness of the feelings would permit, the ardor of their 
fraternal love — and finally bade his class-mates 
farewell;— it was enough. The audience yielded, 
and the generous tear stole down many a manly 
cheek. And now, Allen, is it wrong ? I want to 
equal B. But I cannot I" 

Two points of character are exhibited in the 
closing observations ; — his watchfluness againt im- 
proper ambition, and his willingness to concede 
superiority to others. 



CHAPTER XV. 



Premonitions of death— excessive labor— his piety. 

We are now approachiug rapidly the close of 
our departed friend's career. But little remains 
after this, but painful incidents, the sad occasions of 
sorrowing yet not unsalutary reflections. To ob- 

* A young gentleman of great promise who died out 
of this class in the course of the year. 



A. ft. HURL 



257 



serve what reason would call the needless waste of 
such a life ; to mark the causes which exhausted 
his vital energies ; and above all to stand by the 
couch of expiring genius, and witness the last 
flickerings of its flame, as death was drawing the 
pall of darkness around it, is an employment acute- 
ly painful, and sad indeed would be our emotions, 
were not the scene lit up with the glorious bright- 
ness of the christian hope. Yet when we take the 
lamp of life in our hand, and throw its vivid flash- 
es upon the last prison-house of mortality, by its- 
light we read the glowing declaration of sacred 
truth, " Death is sw T allowed up of life." n O death 
where is thy sting ? O grave where is thy victo- 
ry ?" For unto us God hath given the victory 
through our Lord Jesus Christ. The firm con- 
viction that he "sleeps in Jesus,'' throws a radi- 
ance about the place of his^ repose, and invests it 
with hallowing interest to the pious heart. To 
him death was not the frustration of hopes, but their 
fruition ; not the end of joys, but the commence-- 
ment of immortality; for to him the tomb was 

u No more the limit, bat the gate of hfe." 

We have already seen that Mr Hard lived under 
an abiding impression, 

» That length of days was not a gift for him." 

Tn pursuing his education, he " walked by faith, and 
25 



258 MEMOIR OF 

not by sight,' 5 and ' ; in hope believed against hope/* 
He believed it was right to consult present duty, 
and not be turned aside by future contingencies ; for 
he that does nothing in which there is a possibility 
of failure will leave every thing undone. "He 
that observeth the wind, shall not sow, and he that 
regardeth the clouds, shall not reap." He believ- 
ed that the prospect of increased usefulness, should 
he be successful, was worth the risk, and the plea- 
sure and profit of his labors, were more than a 
present equivalent ; and on the other hand, should 
he fall in the conscientious discharge of what he 
believed to be his duty, a glorious recompense 
awaited him in the skies. 

That such were his impressions may be gathered 
from what has already been related ; but is con- 
firmed by the following incident, communicated by 
his friend and room mate in the University. 

44 Soon after we entered the University, we were 
walking one day on the banks of the river. He 
was speaking of the difficulties he had encounter- 
ed in the pursuit of his education, and of the good- 
ness of Gcd in bringing him thus far towards the 
accomplishment of his desires. After alluding to 
the feebleness of his constitution, in his own pecu- 
liarly emphatic manner he remarked, * after all, I 
think it is very probable that ] shall lay my body 
down on the ccld banks of the Connecticut!' The 



A. If. HURD. 259 

manner in which he spoke this was such that I 
should never have forgotten it, even had that mourn- 
ful intimation of the future never had been fulfill- 
ed." 

With these intimations of the brittleness of his 
life, we may be disposed to wonder that he did not 
lighten the burden which he imposed upon it. But 
so intense was his thirst for knowledge, so benevo- 
lent his compliance with the demands of others, 
so irrepressible his zeal in the cause of the Redeem- 
er, that he continued to assume burden upon burden 
until his overtasked powers sank beneath the load. 
Yet he maintained to the last some hope that he 
should survive the struggle, and go forth furnished 
for extensive usefulness in the church of God. Vain 
hope ! And yet was it not in perfect accordance 
with that facility with which we believe what har- 
monizes with our desires? And do not thousands 
daily believe and act, when, in the estimation of 
others, belief is folly, and pursuit is madness? 
Such are the self-impositions to which human na- 
ture has been ever liable. And who will say, 
where the intention is virtuous, how far these things 
are, in the judgment of the searcher of Hearts, im- 
puted to men for sins? And how far are such hal- 
lucinations of the mind permited by the great dis- 
poser of events, to bring forward those ends which 
his infinite wisdom sees to be best ? We may in- 



260 MEMOIR OF 

deed regret the intervening agencies in calamitious 
events, especially where we may suppose that hu- 
man sagacity might have avoided them ; but after all 
we cannot tell but that they may have been the very 
means selected, or at least permitted, for the accom- 
lishrnent of the the Divine purposes. Let us, then, 
learn that where reason is silent, faith may still 
adore. 

The following extract from a letter written a few 
weeks after the opening of this term, will exhibit 
the nature and multiplicity of his occupations. 

Wesleyan University, Sept. 26, 1836. 
My dear Parents and Friends : 

I am ashamed of having neglected 
you so long. I have no excuse, but that of press of 
business, And now, that you may judge whether 
that will excuse me, I will just give you a sketch of 
the routine of my labors. I have four regular 
studies, one in mental Philosophy, one in Natural 
Philosophy, one in German, and one in Hebrew. 
Then I am a member of three societies. One Li- 
terary, one Natural History, and one Missionary 
Society. For the first, I had to write an Oration this 
term, besides the debates and other duties of the so- 
ciety. Of the second, being President, I have to write 
a thesis for it on Natural History. Being corres- 
pording secretary of the third, I have to receive 



A. H. HURD. 261 

letters from every part of the missionary world, and 
answer them, and also to write one or two essays 
and reports during the term. Then I am assistant 
Librarian in the college, which demands some of 
my attention. Besides this, I have two essays to 
write and deliver before the college during the ses 
sion, and one oration to prepare for a public exhibi- 
tion at its close. Now I presume you think I have 
enough to do. But stop this is not all. 1 have to 
speak in the pulpit twice every sabbath, and walk • 
ten miles, and then attend prayer meeting in the 
evening. Now you know that to sustain myself in 
one place all the time, must require much extra 
reading, writing, and thinking. Then I am class 
leader in the college also, and besides all this have 
frequent calls to give Temperance speeches, and 
to attend to all the ordinary prayer meetings, &c. 
Now if this don't excuse my neglect, then I am 
guilty. But to tell you the truth 1 don't get time to 
call on my best friends. My health is not bad, al- 
though my body is very languid; I might say, fee- 
ble. 

He then gives some account of his late excursion 
in which, urging his parents to visit his grandmo- 
ther, he says, " But if you do not visit her soon, 
you will not see her. She is failing. Her time 
must be short. But while lam saying this, I feel 
that our time may be shorter." He then observes, 
25* 



262 MEMOIR OF 

u I have just returned from preaching the funeral 
sermon of an amiable young lady, cut down in the 
morning of life. She is the third sister that has died 
in that family within little more than a year. All 
died of the consumption ; all died happy. O ! what 
a warning to be always ready ! May we ever have 
our lamps trimmed and our lights burning! The 
present is no time to slumber. It becomes us all to 
*' watch and be sober." For my own part I feel the 
importance of living as if this day was my last, and 
of working as if this were my abiding place. 

" I want to visit you all once more at least ; and 
if they will give me a situation in the seminary, I 
am disposed to make Canada the field of my future 
action. But if not, I cannot return thither. My 
education has cost considerable money and much 
hard study ; and now this education must refund that 
money, if life and health permit. But do not mis- 
understand me. I do not wish to become a teach- 
er permanently unless the church shall require it. 
But 1 must spend two or three years in. teaching, 
until I shall be square with the world, and then the 
church may do with me as it will. I have no high- 
er ambition than to preach the gospel, and that 
where I can do most good." 

The example of Mr. Hurd has, if we mistake 
not, already refuted the stale assertion, that a col- 
lege life is inconsistent with a high degree of devo- 



L H. HURD. 263 

fional feeling*. We have had abundant proof of the 
purity and elevation of his christian character. 
At no time during his collegiate course did he lose 
sight of those great principles which he had long 
since adopted, as the rule of his life. If indeed, 
the intensity of his interest in religion was ever aba- 
ted, it was during the harrassing winter he spent at 
Wethersfield. 

His occupations were, at that period, peculiarly try- 
ing both to mind and body. Some ofhis letters while 
there indicate dissatisfaction with his own religious 
state, expressing however, earnest desires to rise 
above those depressions, and strong resolutions of 
increased devotedness. It is delightful to be assur- 
ed that those resolutions were carried into effect. 
On his return to college, having his arrangements 
more under his own control, he was enabled to re- 
duce his occupations to greater order, and to become 
more methodical in his seasons of devotion, and to 
spend more of his time in doing good. The con- 
sequence was that his piety assumed a deeper tone 
and a richer spirit. His aspiratious after holiness 
were more fervent, and his conversation more hea- 
venly. We learn from his pious room mate, that, 
for some time before his final illness, he had been 
unusually engaged in religion. It was evident 
from his conversation, his actions, his devotions ; it 
was felt in his preaching, his class meeting, and the 



264 MEMOIR OF 

praying circle. All indicated that his thoughts, his 
hopes, and his affections were in Heaven. 

He took at this time, a peculiar interest in preach" 
ingthe word of life to his fellow men, and powerfully 
felt the importance of the work. One illustration 
of this may be given both as an evidence of this 
fact, and as containing something almost prophetic 
or at least anticipatory of the future. The last 
Sabbath but one before his death, he preached from 
Psalm ciii. 15, 16. " As for man, his days areas 
grass ; as a flower of the field so he flourisheth. 
For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone, and the 
place thereof shall know it no more." He seemed 
unusually affected by this subject; and his mind 
was so absorbed by it, that in the evening, he repeat- 
ed nearly the whole sermon to his room mate. He 
admired the beauty and expressiveness of the fig- 
ure in the text, and dwelt much on the uncertain 
and fleeting nature of human life. " How much 
like the flower of the field!" said he, "the wind 
passeth over it, and it is gone ; a breath sweeps it 
away!" It was not his custom to repeat his ser- 
mons, nor was it done on this occasion from any 
high opinion of his performance. His heart was 
full of the subject, and he sought the sympathy of 
a kindred mind. And while this disburdening of 
his feelings was a relief to himself, it was equally 
a gratification to his companion. " He repeated 



A. H. HURD. 265 

it," says his friend, "not as if telling what he had 
preached, but as if actually preaching it; with as 
much warmth and earnestness as if he had been 
really in the pulpit." 

We think the candid reader will acknowledge, 
that if Mr Flurd's piety underwent any modifica- 
tion during his literary course, it was not in becom- 
ing less fervent, less vigorous, or less spiritual ; but 
in becoming more manly, more uniform, more in- 
tellectual. His heart had none the less to do with 
it, but his head much more. In consequence, his 
character being in a great measure freed from those 
excrescences that are so apt to protrude from unen- 
lightened minds, however pious, became better bal- 
anced, and more symmetrical. If he had less of 
the ostentation andofficiousness of the shallow bab- 
bling brook, as it foams against the obstructions in 
its narrow channel, he possessed more of the depth 
uniformity and tranquility of the majestic river, as 
it calmly rolls its waters, to mingle with the glori- 
ous emblem of Eternity. 



266 MEMOIR OF 



CHAPTER XVI. 



Last sickness and death — Sketch of character — 
his Monument. 

During the whole period of which we are speak- 
ing, Mr, Hurd still had charge of a small congre- 
gation at Middlefield. In his attendance on his 
pastoral duties he was very punctual. He still 
pursued the practice of walking out and back : and 
frequently on his return on Monday mornings, 
complained of great fatigue, not so much from the 
walk, as from the exertions of the previous day. 
A day or two, however, usually restored him. At 
the time of which we are now speaking, his health 
was about as ordinary, i. e. not very good, nor ob- 
servably worse than common. He attended dili- 
gently to his studies, and regularly fulfilled all his 
duties. Some idea of his punctuality may be 
formed from the fact that, during the time he was 
assistant librarian in the college, though the hour 
of opening was a quarter before nine on Monday 
morning, it is not known that he ever failed to be 
home in time to attend. 

On Thursday the 29th September, he remarked 
to his room-mate that he felt quite unwell, and 
thought a walk would do him good. Procuring 
leave of absence from college, he went to a friend's 



A. H. HURD. 267 

at Middlefield to attend a class meeting. Thus 
what would have been considered by many an 
arduous duty, was resorted to by this excellent 
young man as a pleasant recreation. He accor- 
dingly walked out, a distance of perhaps four 
miles, and met the class. Afterwards and during 
the night, he was worse. In the morning, as the 
family had no convenience for sending him back, 
he returned, weak and ill as he was, on foot. The 
fatigue was evidently too great. His room male 
on returning from breakfast, found him lying upon 
his bed almost exhausted, and evidently laboring 
under violent disease. A physician was proposed. 
At first he was unwilling; but yielding to impor- 
tunity, he made his selection, and no time was lost 
in getting him to his bed side. But alas ! the die 
was cast. He was already beyond the reach of 
medicine. Every thing was done for him that his 
situation admitted. The prescriptions of the phy- 
sician were strictly followed ; his friends, and 
they were not a few, were unremitting in their at- 
tentions ; the kind and motherly offices of the ex- 
cellent stewardess of the boarding hall, were affec- 
tionately performed: and every comfort that could 
be thought of was supplied. All felt a deep soli- 
citude for him, and every one was anxious to ren- 
der some assistance. Prayer, too, was offered for 
him both by his christian friends, and in the public 



268 MEMOIR OF 

service of the chapel. But it was all in vain, 
His "days were past, his purposes were broken 
off." His case seemed decided from the commence- 
ment of the attack. His disease, the dysentery, 
never appeared to yield to the power of medicine 
for an instant. 

The solicitude and kindnsss of his friends could 
not reverse the decree that had gone forth, and can- 
not diminish the loss we felt in his death. Yet it 
maybe a consolation to his friends to know, that he 
was not resigned to the greedy grave without hav- 
in every thing done that human instrumentality 
could, to retard his passage, or if possible to bring 
him back to health. 

It would appear that Mr. Hurd was the first to 
apprehend the extent of his danger. On Saturday, 
the Rev. Mr. Smith, then stationed at Wethersfield, 
called to re-engage him as teacher of the Academy 
in that place for the ensuing winter. The invalid 
hesitated ; declined giving a positive answer, and 
finally said he would think of it, and give his 
reply on Monday. He seemed to feel the vibra- 
tions of the scale of life ; and thought, rightly too, 
that by Monday his case would be decided. 

On the Sabbath, his friends became seriously 
alarmed ; not from the appearance of mortal symp- 
toms, but from the unyielding obstinacy of his case. 
Several spoke with him on his religious state ; bri 



A. H. HU11D. 269 

his sufferings were so great, and his mind so much 
under the influence oi' soporific medicines, that he 
could converse but little. Yet he often spoke with 
gratitude and affection of the attentions paid him, 
and observed that he had been a trouble to his 
friends his whole life. While he had control over 
his thoughts, though in great pain, he requested his 
friend, Mr. Knox, to read to him the xxiii. Psalm, 
commencing " The Lord is my shepherd, I shall 
not want :" and the 4th and 5th chapters of 2d 
Corinthians, in which are exhibited the afflictions 
and consolations of the christian. To these he 
listened with such interest that he became w r earied 
by excitement, and the reading was suspended. 
His habitual frame of mind, when not under the 
influence of anodyne, was one of calmness and 
tranquility. 

The Professors visited him as often as was 
deemed advisable, and he always requested them to 
pray with him. One of them asked, if he had un- 
wavering confidence in the Savior of sinners. His 
answer was in the affirmative. " What is your 
state of feeling as to your relation to God ?" 'Not 
joyous, but calm and peaceful,' " If God should 
see fit to remove you, can you give up every thing ?" 
4 Yes, all. There is but one thing that I could 
desire, and that is, to have seen my friends once 
more. But if God will other wise, I resign tha 
26 



270 MEMOIR OF 

also.' On another occasion he said, ' Once I had 
a kind mother who watched night and day by my 
bed side when I was sick : but she has gone to 
heaven, and I hope soon to meet her there." 
Some hours before his death, he took the hand of 
his beloved room mate in his, and in a very affect- 
ing manner, said ' my dear chum, we have enjoyed 

many happy seasons together'- but he could 

proceed no further. His feelings overcame him. 
His friend replied, that "they had, and hoped to 
enjoy many more ; if not in this world, at least in a 
better." With an earnestness that only a dying 
person could exhibit, he responded,- — ' pray for me ' 
O, pray for me!' When after consultation, the 
physician informed him that the power of medicine 
was exhausted, and that his restoration was hope- 
less, he manifested no alarm, no anxiety. He 
calmly answered 'the will of the Lord be done! 7 
His extreme sufferings continued almost to the 
end of life. For two or three hours before death, 
he was entirely sensible of its approach. He com- 
plained of difficulty in breathing, and of coldness 
in his extremities, and requested to have them rub- 
bed with heated cloths. When his vision began to 
fail, and the darkness of death to gather round him, 
he raised his hands and exclaimed, " O give more 
light!" And soon after his ransomed spirit winged 
its passage to the realms of eternal day to bask in 



A. H. HURD. 271 

unsullied light and purity, and joy, for ever and 
ever. 

In such a death, so calm and tranquil, with a 
mind so self-possessed, there was at least as much, 
and in some respects even more of sublimity, than 
in a death more rapturous and excited. There 
could be no suspicion of artificial stimulus, there 
was no predominance of feeling over reason. The 
whole prospect, the entire sacrifice, lay before him. 
His past labors in procuring an education ; the near 
attainment of his object ; his youth, with the pros- 
pect of the future — a life of usefulness and;honor — 
Avere all in view. Yet there was no repining for 
the past, no regret of the present, no dread of the 
future. He did not even mention them. All the 
earthly desire that clung to his heart, was that he 
might have seen his friends once more ; and even 
this he could resign to the will of God. This was 
the triumph of Christianity, not over passion and 
weakness alone, but over the strength and glory of 
manhood ; over reason in its coolness and its power. 
Such a death deserves to be ranked among the pe- 
culiar trophies of the cross, and several to illustrate 
the moral grandeur of Christianity. 

Mr. Hurd died on Monday, October 3d, 1836, 
about three o'clock, P. M., aged 23 years. He 
was followed to the grave and sincerely deplored 
by a numerous concourse, consisting of members 
of the University, and citizens of the place. And 



272 MEMOIR OF 

a few weeks afterwards by the request of his class 
mates, a sermon was preached in the Methodist 
Church by one of the Professors, in reference to 
this mournful event, from Phil, i, 21. "To die is 
gain." The number and deep attention of the 
assembly sufficiently testified the estimation in 
which he was held, and the interest felt in his be- 
half. 

Thus we have traced the progress, from his 
cradle to the grave, of this excellent and interesting 
young man. A summary of his character will 
conclude our task. 

Mr. Hurd's general character was made up of 
an assemblage of excellencies, which endeared him 
extremely to his friends. It is no small testimony 
to his worth that one long intimate with him ob- 
serves, "he was most esteemed by those who knew 
him best." Among his other virtues he was pecu- 
liarly remarkable for his modesty, his sensibility, 
and his unaffected kindness of heart. Of the first 
we have proof in the entire absence of all egotism. 
He seldom spoke of himself or his performances ; 
indeed never, unles? unavoidably led to it by others. 
He could not force himself into notice, take unbe- 
coming liberties, or assume familiarities to which 
he was not invited. He seldom, if ever, made the 
first advances to intimacy; from which, it was 
sometimes erroneous] v inferred, that he was cold 



A. H. HURD. 273 

and distant. To his superiors he was always re- 
spectful ; to his inferiors condescending; towards 
all kind and obliging. His modesty was further 
evinced by the terms in which he spoke of his pub- 
lic labors. He seldom called it preaching : accord- 
ing to his own phraseology, he only "spoke or 
talked to the people." It is owing to the same trait 
that so little is known of his early life. A person 
might long have been with him without being 
aware that he had lived among the Indians, or had 
passed through any remarkable scenes. If howev- 
er, he was drawn out upon these topics, he became 
uncommonly entertaining, abounding in piquant an- 
ecdote and instructive observation. 

His sensibility was very great. He was keen- 
ly alive both to pleasure and pain. As no one 
more highly estimated a kindness, so no one more 
keenly fet an injury. Possessing great susceptibil- 
ity of emotion, his power to move others was pro- 
portionate. Though subject, as before remarked, 
to occasional depressions, yet the habitual tone of 
.his mind was cheerfulness, bordering upon hilari- 
ty. Indeed his bosom seemed a reservoir of joy- 
<ousness, and wherever he went, he seemed to dif- 
fuse streams of happiness around him. All felt it, 
from the aged grandmother in he v venerable arm 
chair, down to the little pratler that ran up for the 



26* 



274 MEMOIR OF 

accustomed pat upon the head, or to sport and gam- 
bol about his knee. 

His real kindness of feeling was not less remark- 
able. He would not intentionally injure a human 
being, or wantonly trifle with the feelings of friend 
or foe. With him, even the foibles of others were 
sacred. He made no sport at another's pain. A 
word which he thought might appear unkind, has 
been known to give him acute distress. In speaking 
of the virtues of others he ever took delight ; but if 
their faults were named, he was instantly silent, or 
at least evinced a marked reserve. Even where 
his own feelings have been injured, though his 
countenance and tone of voice would betiay his 
emotion, yet the excuses and palliations he discov- 
ered for them, proved that charity was dominant 
over a sense of injury. He " overcame evil with 
good," 

We are aware that certain virtues are very apt 
to run into the opposite extreme ; and nothing is 
more common than to dignify certain defects with 
the names of the opposing good qualities. But 
this was not the case in Mr. Hurd. His modesty 
never degenerated into debasement of mind, or 
meanness of spirit ; his sensibility could not be con- 
founded with mawkish sentimentalism ; nor could 
his kindness of feeling be mistaken for that indis- 
criminate good nature, which acts from blind im- 



A. H. KURD. 275 

pulse, or indolence of character, rather than from 
virtuous principle. A well adjusted self-esteem, 
imparted a dignity to his modesty ; and a sound- 
ness of judgment secured him against those petty 
jealousies, and painful caprices of temper, which 
so often arise from an ill regulated sensibility. 

And who can doubt that the various excellencies 
of his character, had their foundation in deep and 
evangelical piety ? It was this that gave to it beau- 
ty, and harmony, and lustre. His piety commenced 
with a deep conviction of the sinfulness, ignorance, 
and helplessness of humanity; this led him to an 
implicit, affectionate, confiding trust in the atone- 
ment of the Divine Redeemer, while the influen- 
ces of the Holy Spirit nurtured his heart in all 
christian tempers, and caused him to "abound in 
those fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus 
Christ to the glory and praise of God." It was 
evangelical, active faith in the atoning Savior, that 
formed the golden chain which bound his virtues 
together, giving unity and loveliness to the whole, 
and attaching his heart to the interests of immor- 
tality. 

The specific characteristics of Mr Hurd's piety 
were depth and spirituality, zeal and activity, and a 
uniform consistency of deportment. But withal 
he was far from being gloomy or morose. On 
the contrary, his piety was singularly cheerful and 



276 MEMOIR OF 

inviting. His zeal was without obtrusiveness, and 
his ardor without rashness. He was humble with- 
out meanness, strict without austerity, and strong in 
attachments without illiberality. Though a deci- 
ded Methodist in his views and feelings, yet it was 
without the least tincture of bigotry. When he 
first became a missionary teacher, it was under the 
Baptists ; his best friend was a Presbyterian ; and 
he loved to mingle with the excellent of every de- 
nomination. Indeed some of his Methodist breth- 
ren were ready to charge him with lukewarmness 
towards his own church. But who does not know 
that he who ranges abroad, and sees and admires 
the excellencies of all lands, and yet gives the de- 
cided preference to his own, pays his own country 
a much higher compliment than he who loves it 
indeed, but is too narrow minded to inquire if anjr 
other be worth loving ? 

Of Mr Hurd's mental character, the preceding 
pages, it is supposed, afford sufficient elucidation. 
He unquestionably possessed talents of a high or- 
der — a rare combination of excellencies. To a 
most vivid imagination, he added acute discrimina- 
tion, comprehensive views, closeness of argument,, 
and withal a power of language rarely equalled* 
His memory too, though perhaps, not much under 
control of the slighter laws of association, and there- 
fore not remarkably apt at calling up particulars, 



A. H. HURD. 277 

and disconnected facts ; yet when aided by the phi- 
losophic principles of association, it was both tena- 
cious in retaining, and prompt at recalling. In- 
deed than he, few persons have had their knowl- 
edge more completely at command. 

Of his mental character, a fine exhibition was 
once given while at Cazenovia. He was in the 
chair at the meeting of a society for debate. A 
subject was discussed by several disputants, in ex- 
tended speeches ; and at the close, it became neces- 
sary for the chairman to sum up the arguments 
previously to pronouncing a decision. He rehear- 
sed them all consecutively ; balanced the merits of 
each side, coolly weighing them together, without 
the aid of a single note or memorandum, and with 
an accuracy, a clearness, a soundness of judg- 
ment, in one so young, truly astonishing. A gen- 
tleman of the bar, who was present, was heard to 
say that it would have been no discredit to a judge 
upon the bench. 

As a preacher he was distinguished by clearness, 
simplicity, thought and fervor. He ever remem- 
bered the great end of all preaching, to bring sin- 
ners to their Savior, and to build up christians in 
that " holiness without which no man shall see the 
Lord." To effect this, he took care to keep the 
Savior always in view, referring to him as the great 
atoning sacrifice, and placing every duty privilege 



278 MEMOIR OF 

and promise on that only " foundation ," other than 
which " can no man lay, which is Jesus Christ." 
He was entirely unaffected in manner, and simple in 
language. He knew that as his labors would an- 
swer no valuable ends, unless he were understood, 
so he should defeat his own purposes by becoming 
unintelligiable to his auditories. He did not so mis* 
take the ends of good education, as to suppose that 
it was to raise him above the instruction of the peo- 
ple, or to furnish him with power only to excite 
unintelligent wonder, or empty admiration. He 
gained knowledge that he might enlarge the com- 
pass of his own thoughts, and diversify his illus- 
trations of divine truth ; and he studied language 
that he might possess the means of expressing 
those thoughts and illustrations, most efficiently. 
To convey valuable thoughts in language simple 
yet forcible, in a style correct but not finical, was 
the aim of his pulpit preparations. Though when 
he had opportunity, his sermons were closely stu- 
died, yet he never aimed at displays of mere orato- 
ry, nor at the production of purely rhetorical effect. 
He did not go so far as the Rev. David Stoner, the 
celebrated English revivalist, of whom it was said 
that his most powerful and effective sermons were 
written out and memorized. Mr Hurd generally 
satisfied himself with an outline, consisting of little 
more than the exordium and divisions, and then> 



A. H. HURD. 279 

having well stored his mind with appropriate 
thoughts, left the language to be suggested by the 
ardor and excitement of the occasion. By this 
mode of preparation, he secured a more natural 
play of the imagination, a more easy, unaffected 
manner ; and not being trammelled by the intense 
action of one faculty, memory, he was less restrain- 
ed in the play of the others, and more at liberty to 
follow out the impulses of his own feelings. Be- 
sides, it is not one of the least advantages of this 
method, that it left him at liberty to rise and fall, 
and vary the tone and style of sermons, according 
to the demands of different occasions. 

In a letter to his friend the Rev. Charl&s Brag- 
den, alluding to some one who had made that com- 
mon mistake of a perverted taste, viz. indulging in 
an unintelligible pomposity of style, he writes, 
" But mark brother ; don't do like some young 
shepherds of modern times, put the hay so high in 
the rack that the young lambs can not reach it. By 
the bye, some among us put it out of reach of the 
old sheep!" 

In the same letter, expressing his views on the 
ministry, he observes, 

" I feel, my brother, that it is a great thing to be 
a christian, and a still greater to be a christian min- 
ister. Oh ! I tremble when I think of that sacred 
office, and the responsibility resting on a messenger 



280 MEMOIR OF 

of divine truth. If an apostle could cry out " who 
is sufficient for these things ?" oh! how ought 
we to feel, how ought we to look to God for his gra- 
cious assistance ! Assistance ! Nay ! For his 
sovereign grace to do the work !" 

In conclusion, it deserves to be noticed that, as a 
testimony of their respect, his classmates erected 
to his memory, a chaste and elegant monument. It 
is made of white marble of simplest form, and most 
beautiful proportions, resting upon a base of gran- 
ite : apt emblem of the purity, consistency and 
firmness of him whom it commemorates ! It 
stands in the college cemetery, a little spot of ground 
laid out in walks, and planted with ever greens 
and other ornamental trees and shrubs. It is loca- 
ted upon an eminence in view of the University 
buildings; and commands a rich and lovely pros- 
pect of undulating country, composed of beautiful- 
ly regular hills and verdant vallies, bounded on 
every side by distant mountains; and the entire 
amphitheatre, traversed by the clear and tranquil wa- 
ters of the Connecticut. There, surrounded by the 
scenes he loved to look upon, will lie the mouldering 
ashes of this devoted youth, until the sound of the last 
trumpet shall shake the earth, and bid the grave re. 
lease its captives. Then shall he come forth again, 
clad in the vestments of life, and re-united to the 
ransomed spirit, shall take his place in the skies, 



A. H. HURD. 281 

and celebrate forever the triumphs of redemption. 
There we hope to see him, and then, perhaps, we 
may know why he was cut down so early ; why such 
treasures were consigned to the grave, why so ma- 
ny hopes were frustrated. Meanwhile, if we pro- 
fit by his example, if we shall be stimulated to' 
greater usefulness and devotion, if the spirit which' 
he breathed, be communicated to us while contem- 
plating his character, it shall be proved that he has 
neither lived nor died in vain ; and the noblest mon- 
ument to his virtues shall be erected in the hearts of 
those who survive him, 






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